Ruthin-based civil engineering company Jones Bros has started improvement works on a busy North Wales junction on the A55.
The firm was awarded the contract by the Welsh Government to make junction 19 of the A55 safer for commuters and to help manage congestion.
The upgrades on the Black Cat Roundabout, where the A470 meets the A55 in Llandudno Junction, is expected to last for four months. Plans have been brought forward due to quieter traffic levels as a result of Covid-19.
Work will include widening the roundabout, the construction of safer crossings for pedestrians and cyclists, the installation of traffic signals at key locations and an upgrade from the current street lighting to an energy-efficient LED alternative.
The routes for cyclists and pedestrians will also link with the current path on the A470 to encourage active travel in the area.
Traffic signals will help manage congestion on the off slips, reducing the length of queues and the traffic speed to improve safety on the roundabout.
Rhys Roberts, project manager at Jones Bros, said: “As a North Wales-based company, it’s fantastic to have been appointed by the Welsh Government to carry out the much-needed highways works.
“We will be working closely with North and Mid-Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA) and Conwy County Borough Council, as well as operating through extended day shifts to minimise disruption for commuters.”
Jones Bros has put measures in place to adhere to government COVID-19 regulations, including site specific risk assessments, social distancing and suitable hygiene and welfare facilities.
If the coronavirus restrictions are eased and traffic increases, Jones Bros will modify its way of working to ensure disruption continues to be kept to a minimum.
Transport and North Wales Minister Ken Skates said: "This is an important scheme on a very busy junction where two of our major roads meet.
"The scheme will encourage walking and cycling by making the junction safer.
"Traffic speeds will also be lowered as a result of the improvements, helping reduce the number of accidents.
"This is the first of our pinch point schemes to go ahead and it will deliver a real difference to all forms of transport once completed."
