A number of busy Swansea city centre roads will soon be switched to two-way traffic in what will be a case of Déjà vu for a number of drivers.
Motorists will soon be able to travel in both directions on eight key city centre roads surrounding, and including, The Kingsway, like they used to be able to in many instances.
Once the switch has been made it will mean the £12 million Kingsway infrastructure project will be practically complete.
Work to resurface the roads has been scheduled to take place between March 23 and April 10, resulting in a number of overnight road closures.
While work to make the roads two-way is due to take place on the weekend of April 4 and 5.
However, there is potential for the work to be affected as a result of the current coronavirus pandemic, with pressure being put on the UK Government to halt work on construction sites.
Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart said the switch to two-way would “allow more direct journeys across the city” while also helping to reduce traffic in The Kingsway.
He said: “The major overnight operation to make The Kingsway area largely two-way is due to take place - weather and other circumstances permitting - on the Saturday night/Sunday morning of April 4/5.
“Council project staff and contractors will work through the night to minimise disruption for the public and business.
“We’ll publicise the work programme widely and in good time so it can take place safely and efficiently - and so road users know about the new layout before they enter the city centre in ensuing days.
“Residents can look out for our #KingswayTwoWay hashtag on social media.
"I encourage motorists to make use of our map for driving through Swansea city centre from April 5; it’s available for download now, we’re emailing it to businesses and posting it on noticeboards around The Kingsway.
“I also urge pedestrians and cyclists to familiarise themselves with the new traffic flows.
“The switch to two-way traffic will allow more direct journeys across the city and help reduce traffic on The Kingsway.
“The Kingsway area’s extra greenery and pedestrian areas - along with the improved traffic flow - will help make the city centre a better place in which to live, work, shop and do business.
“I thank the public for the understanding they’ve shown so far during this improvement process and for the forthcoming significant work and change to two-way traffic.
“I’m thankful for the understanding of local residents who may suffer any disturbance during the overnight works.”
Which roads are switching to being two-way?
The two-way switch is set to take place overnight from 10pm on Saturday, April 4, to 9am on Sunday, April 5.
The Kingsway, Orchard Street, Christina Street, Mansel Street, De La Beche Street, Grove Place, Alexandra Road and Belle Vue Way will all be made two-way.
Craddock Street will change its one-way direction, while the junction of Pleasant Street and Orchard Street will close.
As part of the work, De La Beche Street will be reconstructed and will go down to one lane of traffic for two days and nights, on March 25 and 26.
Road closures and diversions will be signposted and traffic marshals will be on duty to help drivers through the work and new changes.
The council has contacted SatNav businesses, although there is no guarantee their digital maps will be updated in time for the switch.
Chief executive of Swansea Business Improvement District (BID), Russell Greenslade, said: “We know that businesses in and around The Kingsway are eager to see the current works completed, so we are pleased to see this plan in place to minimise disruption while this key change takes place.
“We will continue to support our BID area businesses throughout the Swansea city centre regeneration and we are confident the new-look Kingsway will be good for business and good for Swansea.”
Mr Stewart said there would be access at all times through the work for emergency vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
