Member Article

Jones Bros completes highways scheme and turns attention to eco-friendly street lighting

Highways improvement works at a busy junction on a North Wales expressway have been completed, with the contractor now turning attention to the final activity of streetlighting replacement.

Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK delivered the pinch point scheme at junction 19 of the A55 on behalf of the Welsh Government to make the route safer for all users. It provides an improved and safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists and is separate from the main carriageway.

The project aims to improve efficient traffic flow using a sophisticated traffic signal system at the Glan Conwy Roundabout where the A470 meets the A55 in Llandudno Junction.

The scheme has been an important stimulus to the local economy, providing local employment and business for local suppliers during a difficult economic time.

Ruthin-based Jones Bros is now installing energy-efficient street lighting Replacing the current street lighting with a more eco-friendly LED alternative will lead to an energy saving of up to 52 per cent.

Rhys Roberts, Jones Bros project manager, said: “Our team has worked well throughout, which has included working at night to carry out the most disruptive activity during quieter periods.

“We have widened the roundabout, constructed safer crossings for pedestrians and cyclists and installed traffic signals at key locations.

“To encourage active travel, the routes for cyclists and pedestrians also link with the existing footway on the A470 which is proposed to be upgraded to a shared use path. “The workforce is now focused on installing the eco-friendly street lighting in the area immediately around junction 19.

“We have begun disconnecting and removing existing streetlighting and have temporarily deployed energy-efficient tower lights to assist commuters.

To minimise the impact on road users, the street lighting works are being undertaken during this time of year when traffic flows are lower.“

The works will be carried out under single lane closures on the A55 slip roads at junction 19 and are expected to be completed by the middle of December.

Rhys added: “We are continuously monitoring traffic levels and are working closely with North and Mid-Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA) and Conwy County Borough Council to avoid unnecessary delays for drivers.”

Transport and North Wales Minister Ken Skates said: “I’m pleased to see the progress on this scheme. This was the first of our pinch point schemes to go ahead and will deliver a real difference to all forms of transport, including active travel opportunities, on the interchange.”

Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros’ leadership team consists of members of the second and third generations of the founding family. It employs more than 400 people. The company is currently working on contracts in various sectors including highways, flood and marine defence, waste management and renewable energy around the UK.

The company runs an award-winning apprenticeship scheme, which has produced more than 40 per cent of its current workforce, with many of its senior managers having started out as apprentices or in a trainee role. It has recruited more than 100 apprentices during the past three years.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Harris .