Work to begin on Pembrokeshire’s ‘treacherous’ stretch of road
EFFORTS to improve road safety on a perilous stretch of road in Pembrokeshire are set to commence this month, with plans to install traffic lights at the infamous Nash Fingerpost Junction. This initiative follows persistent demands for safety enhancements by campaigners concerned about the junction’s hazardous conditions.
The Nash Fingerpost Junction, a notorious ‘black spot’ located at the intersection of the A477 and A4075 between Milton and Pembroke Dock, has been the site of numerous accidents over the years. The most tragic of these occurred in May last year, claiming the life of 29-year-old motorcyclist Ashley Rogers from Kilgetty.
In response to these incidents, local residents have intensified their campaign for significant modifications at the junction. Their efforts have included petitions urging both the Senedd and Highways Authorities to re-evaluate and redesign this busy juncture.
Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire has been a prominent advocate in pressing the Welsh Government to follow through on its commitments to these crucial safety upgrades.
Cllr Tessa Hodgson, representing the Lamphey ward, recently revealed details about the upcoming works. Scheduled to start on Sunday, May 19, and expected to conclude by mid-September, the project will involve the installation of new traffic light systems and enhancements to kerb alignments. Additionally, upgrades will be made to the existing active travel route. To facilitate these changes, contractors will work up to 12 hours a day from Sunday to Friday, between 7am and 7pm.
During the entire duration of the improvements, temporary traffic signals will be operational to ensure the safety of both motorists and workers on site.
These measures are being overseen by the South Wales Trunk Road Agent (SWTRA).
The work will be briefly suspended during the summer embargo period from August 22 to 27, resuming thereafter until the project’s completion in mid-September. A spokesperson for the principal contractor has expressed apologies in advance for any potential traffic disruptions, although assurances have been given that efforts will be maximized to minimize inconvenience during the peak summer holiday period. Furthermore, there will be no traffic management activities during the Summer Bank Holiday weekend to ease travel disruptions.
This development comes as a significant relief to many in the community who have long voiced concerns about the safety of the junction, emphasizing the necessity of these enhancements to prevent future tragedies.