Bus traffic hotspots set for revamp
Several traffic hotspots are to be improved ahead of the introduction of Swansea's bendy bus.
The 19-metre-long Swansea Metro vehicles — or bendy buses, as they have become known — are due to hit the streets later this year.
Following on from the new Landore Express bus route and dedicated lanes for public transport in the city centre, further work is being scheduled that will improve links with the city centre.
Work is now being planned for other areas aimed at cutting down the time public transport gets delayed in traffic at other potential hotspots on the approach to the city.
Several junctions linking the city centre to the north of Swansea are going to be improved to give public transport an easier route. They are at the Martin Street roundabout, Cwm Level roundabout and Normandy Road roundabout
It's anticipated the first of the work will begin next month and it's expected to be completed by spring next year.
While the fine detail of the work has yet to be ironed out, meaning that no news of potential disruption can be announced, the council says it has sought to let all affected residents know well in advance of the work.
John Hague, cabinet member for environment, said that once complete the improvements will mean quicker and more punctual public transport journeys between Morriston Hospital in the north and Singleton Hospital in the south — the route of the bendy bus.
He said: "The work so far has been worth it because it is already making life easier for buses using the city centre and the Landore Express bus route, especially at peak times when passengers are coming to work or going home.
"When the rest of the work is complete, they'll really feel the benefit of quicker and more punctual journey times because buses will be able to beat the traffic hotspots."
Geoff Sheel, interim head of service for transportation, said the work in the city centre was designed to create dedicated bus lanes to make it safer for everyone using what are the busiest streets in the city.
But he added that won't be necessary for the route between Morriston and Singleton, except at locations like the Martin Street roundabout, Cwm Level roundabout and Normandy Road roundabout near the Liberty Stadium.
He said: "Only in these locations will we need to create short priority bus lanes. This means the majority of local people who are already used to seeing buses travelling up and down the route every day won't see much change to the way the road looks outside their homes and businesses."
During construction the council will be doing its best to minimise disruption and inconvenience and will be keeping local people informed.
Mr Sheel said: "When completed, residents in Morriston and along the route in particular will benefit from hugely improved public transport links with the city centre that will save them time and — if they leave their cars at home — save them money as well."
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