Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, has given an update into the effects of a major vehicle fire in the A55 Conwy Tunnel last Thursday, saying teams are working “relentlessly” to assess the damage and restore the tunnel to allow it to reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.
A crane caught fire in the tunnel, leading to a full closure while the blaze was brought under control, before a contraflow was then introduced to allow both directions of traffic to share one tunnel.
Mr Skates said: he wanted to be clear that the next phase will take time. “We will provide more information as the assessments progress. Further tunnel closures or traffic management measures may be necessary in the coming weeks for the recovery phase and allow more permanent repairs to take place.”
In a written statement issued on Friday 20 June he gave his: “sincere thanks to everyone involved in the response to yesterday’s Conwy tunnel fire incident. This includes our emergency services, key partners, and our agent—the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA). Their swift and coordinated actions are a testament to the strength of the planning, joint exercises, and operational arrangements that we have developed together for the A55 and all our tunnels.
“A resilience planning exercise held a few months ago on the A55 at Conwy Tunnel between Welsh Government, NMWTRA, NW fire and rescue service and other emergency service looked at this scenario and has paid off as it was implemented yesterday to help minimise damage. The close working with our partners continues, with multi-agency meetings taking place as we deal with the aftermath of the incident.”
Meanwhile North Wales Police are advising haulage companies and drivers of wide loads to avoid the Conwy tunnel due to the ongoing contraflow.
The contraflow in the eastbound tunnel is allowing one lane of traffic in each direction – meaning restrictions of 3.2 metres and the Police say there are no police-escorted wide load movements taking place, and that they are liaising directly with haulage companies.
(Picture – Traffic Wales on X)
