Cardiff drivers warned of disruption as major tram works begin

Drivers are being warned of disruption and told to allow extra time for their journeys in Cardiff city centre as major works to build a new tram system begin. Cardiff Crossrail is a tram system which it is said will eventually run from Plasdwr in the north-west of the city, with the proposed new work on Parkway railway station in the east to start on Monday, June 15. Work on the first phase, a tram-train route set to be built between Cardiff Central railway station and Cardiff Bay , will begin on June 15. Although there will be no road closures during the first phase of the "very complex" works, there will be a reduction in traffic lanes on Callaghan Square so the site can be cleared and the contractor can begin diverting utilities beneath the carriageway. There will be five stages of work, with different impacts on drivers each time. The first phase, until mid-July, will mean on Tresilian Way eastbound and westbound two of the three lanes will close. On Callaghan Square eastbound and westbound one of the three lanes will close. Signs have already been put up in the city, with additional on-street signage being installed on roads approaching Callaghan Square later this week. Motorists are advised to consider alternative routes while these works are underway: From the north, motorists are advised to use North Road, Boulevard de Nantes and Fitzalan Place From the east, motorists are advised to use Newport Road and Glossop Road From the south and west, motorists are advised to use the A4232 (Link Road) and Central Link The first phase of the project is intended to link the city with the Bay and to provide a link for the new Cardiff arena currently under construction off Lloyd George Avenue. Phase 1a of the scheme will deliver: A new tram-train connection between Cardiff Central and Cardiff Bay via the new Loudoun Square railway station which is currently under construction New tram platforms at Cardiff Central railway station and an additional platform at Cardiff Bay railway station A new twin-track tramway through Callaghan Square A simpler road layout New pedestrian spaces, landscaping and sustainable drainage Fully segregated cycle routes and improved pedestrian crossings Cardiff council cabinet member Dan De'Ath said: "This is a long-term investment in Cardiff’s public transport infrastructure and will play a key role in supporting major developments across the city, including the redevelopment of Cardiff Central railway station, the regeneration of Callaghan Square, the new indoor arena and the Atlantic Wharf redevelopment in Cardiff Bay. "The vision for Cardiff Crossrail is clearly set out in the city’s 10-year transport vision. This is about building a greener, more sustainable and affordable transport system for the city. "We would like to thank the public for their patience while we deliver these vital works. As the first phase of the Cardiff Crossrail will run through Callaghan Square, the work involved is very complex as significant work must take place to divert key utilities beneath the carriageway that serve businesses and residents in the city centre and beyond." Chief infrastructure officer from Transport for Wales Dan Tipper said this was an "important milestone" in the project. "We’re focused on creating modern, reliable and more sustainable ways for people to travel across the city," he said. “Crossrail is a key part of our vision for a South Wales Metro that will support Cardiff’s continued growth, improve connectivity and provide greater choice for residents, businesses and visitors." Andrew Henry, from contractors GRAHAM, said: "Work starting on site is a crucial moment for the Cardiff Crossrail project which will fundamentally change how people move around the city. "Callaghan Square is a busy working environment with significant utility diversions required beneath the carriageway before trackwork can begin. "Our team has planned this carefully to keep disruption to a minimum, and we would ask road users to follow the signage in place and allow a little extra time for their journeys."