Deeside road changes

So it's back to the drawing board regarding plans to widen the A494 up to the A55 Ewloe Interchange at the top of Aston Hill - and still the traffic backs up on the neighbouring Queensferry-Shotton road. Any ideas how we fix these problems?

your comments

Nick, Connahs Quay
Re Shotton congestion. I as a fairly new homeowner in this area [around 15 years] can see only one solution to the Shotton problem. One which I am sure many would have already thought off. The main problem is the [railway] bridge. This, I am sure, would serve the town well as a gate, shutting it off completely from the world, if so desired, but to me it is to narrow, too old, and has been there too long. A new bridge for the railway would allow a wider road, thus getting those wonderful empty buses that move slowly and cause congestion off the roads and allow the working population of this otherwise pleasant area to get to work. Having travelled and worked throughout the UK and including London, and the Thames Valley, I did not expect to find the same traffic problems in a small place like Shotton, and if I am really honest I feel at times the the congestion along the main street is at least equal if not worse than many towns and cities of 10 times its size.
Mon Apr 27 08:53:09 2009

Jim off Flint
NG Ewloe, see comment below JM Hawarden. Flint does need an inland bypass to cope with the hundreds of new houses that are being built on the outskirts of the the town. The costal route is a non-starter as it would landlock the castle and spoil the oustanding riverside view (one of Flint's best features). Also it would not solve the traffic problem passing through the town via Northop Road and Coleshill Street, with noisy heavy goods vehicles rumbling within feet of residents' front doors. It's time to think of all of the residents of the Royal Borough.
Mon Feb 2 08:28:50 2009

Nick, Webteam
We're blogging today about a new group that wants the council to take action to ease congestion at Shotton. Do you have any traffic problems there?
Fri Jan 30 15:24:14 2009

NG Ewloe
Why lose remaining countryside when you already have a road? I don't think Aston Hill residents have thought about this! Would you prefer faster flowing traffic bypassing your house or standing traffic with the original road staying outside your house? I do agree that the works could be a nusiance although once complete the road could provide many benefits around the area.
Tue Jan 27 09:08:07 2009

Jim from Flint
Am I missing something here? Flint does not have a major traffic problem. Just go to Chester, Deeside, Broughton, Mold, Wrexham, even Ruthin - they all have large amounts of traffic and often have queues. I went to work down south in the '80s and 5 miles to work in the car took an hour. I ended up going by bike as it was much quicker. Frankly, it winds me up when if three cars are on a road people are crying out for bypasses everywhere. The money would be far better spent on better public transport (a government policy) and not destroying our countryside but developing brown field sites (another government policy).
Thu Dec 4 07:20:01 2008

Paul off Flint
Peter, Flint. In any bypass there should be slip roads going off them like the A55. So if you wanted to shop in Flint you could. People coming to Deeside go down slip roads. So it could be done and everybody could get in to Flint for work or shopping. That's my way of getting the roads clear in our town. A way in and a way out and no traffic.
Wed Nov 5 08:37:18 2008

Fore'sight
Before anybody gets excited about the report of the bypass, please have a look at the way things are going. I think the idea in the first place was getting traffic to and from the industrial estate. Well, in that plan they built a bridge at a colossal price to get into Wales that goes nowhere. Even had the queen up here to open it.
Mon Nov 3 09:28:04 2008

Peter Flint
Paul off Flint. While that would solve one problem, it would not solve the problem of traffic coming through Flint off the A55 down Northop Road so the inland route is the only sensible option.
Wed Oct 29 11:19:59 2008

Paul off Flint
People going on about Flint bypass. There should have been one years ago and send it past Flint Castle for all the visitors to see. It would have gone straight over the Flintshire Bridge and there would not be any traffic through Flint. People in Flint are getting a bit sick of the roads in their town being the over spill for Deeside. There is a lot of marsh land there and it could be used up for this. But all the money goes down to Cardiff and forget north Wales. It has always been the same - nothing for this end. We have got AMs up here but they do not help. It's all self to them. The bypass should be done stright down to Rhyl and up to A55. So come on people let's have one and do all of us a favour in Flint - and we can cross the road safely.
Mon Oct 27 09:42:07 2008

Chris, Connah's Quay
It will be interesting to see what effect the completion of the current M56 to Woodbank lights will have on the traffic flow to Aston Hill. I fear that once all the European sat nav maps are updated showing the M56 as a through route to north Wales the traffic jams, noise and pollution that the residents of Aston Hill will have to endure will make road improvements top of their wish list.
Fri Oct 10 09:00:54 2008

Sue Flint
OK JC Flint - point taken. Where are we going to put it?
Fri Sep 12 08:22:50 2008

Nick, Webteam
Where's the most congested road in the region? Add your route to our map.
Tue Sep 9 12:53:21 2008

JC, Flint
I live in Flint and agree with JD, let's have our bypass. If people want to make a detour to shop or buy fish & chips then they can go through the town & be able to park alongside the shops, town will not be congested.
Mon Sep 8 09:25:56 2008

Sue, Flint
I do not think that Aston residents are 'clueless' and that Flint residents are 'silly' in not wanting these major road changes in their areas. Life is not about getting from 'A to B'. It seems to me that there is money on the table and people are saying 'let's do that with it ' or 'oh no, let's do this with it'. If there is a Flint by-pass it will take trade away from the town - is this progress? - no it is not! The Aston situation has been ridiculous - people have lost their homes - yes, you might say they have been compensated - but for what? They will have had years of worry and upset all in the name of so-called progress. I for one am concerned that the Flint by-pass is rearing its ugly head again, we do not want to see history repeating itself.
Thu Sep 4 08:21:07 2008

Phil, Chester
I am not at all surprised at the decision. Wales has BY FAR the worst national road network in Western Europe. Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Poland, Greece are building motorways and high speed routes as they recognise that road building is an important tool in foreign and domestic investment. Build a Dublin-Holyhead tunnel and North Wales will be booming. But, no that's progress - we can't do that! Let's stay in the 1970s. Woeful.
Tue Sep 2 15:16:50 2008

Steve, Flint
I have read a lot of comments about the A494 problem and I think the protestors are clueless. The A494 is here now "Look out your window people". What difference does it make to add a few more lanes to ease the flow of traffic up the hill? These people are very good at telling everyone how bad it will be for the area, but will not say how to fix the congestion. We hear "use the new Bridge!" then take a new road up to the A55, why! We do not want a new road cutting through the countryside when we already have one. The good people of Aston Hill were told 20 years ago that a proposed widening of the A494 was in the pipeline. They have acted daft as if it has only just been spoken about. Let us all understand what has really happened here, the WAG has decided to divert the money for the scheme to other uses (probably the M4 widening) down in south Wales. WAG has initiated debate, caused a rift between interested parties then done one, laughing at the people of North Wales all the way back to Cardiff. All just a smokescreen to divert your attention. I do not work for Flintshire CC and I think they are generally a poor performing council but on this topic they are right on the money. They are thinking 20 years on. The M56 will go to Holyhead eventually and the council are upgrading the area now. I agree the project does need another look at and all junctions in Flintshire require remodelling to come up to current safety criteria. This will happen check out the green road signs next time you travel towards Conwy, they all have a number in the corner and they will be blue eventually. Let us have the new bridge, new flyover at Queensferry, new junction at Ewloe, new junction at the A55 interchange, and then motorway standard 8 lanes to Llandudno Junction. The new bridge should be utilized but silly people blocked the Flint bypass as well, now they complain that they can't get out of their driveways now at peak times. Well where has all this money gone that was supposed to be spent in North Wales? Can we have the Wrexham/Bidston Rail link electrified WAG? Er sorry the costs for that project have rocketed above the estimates. We all know really that the money is going to be spent in South Wales instead. I must make a public apology to all in Wales: I am sorry that I did not vote NO when I had the chance in regard to the set up of WAG in the first instance. I left it to other people. Worse still I did not vote at all. The vote was almost even 50% and I and many others could have made the difference.
Mon Aug 4 10:37:29 2008

Judith @ Hawarden
Hello YIMBY our old friend! The Independent Councillor you remark about is one of the most loyal people to help in a very, very long + hard campaign against the A494 proposed expansion. I need no colourful description of the dilapidated properties at Aston Mead, YIMBY. I know exactly what has happened there due to the deliberate "run down" of these houses + bungalows by the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG). Because WAG presumed they'd get their own way + residents would roll over like good little puppies + allow a mammoth construction to ruin their lives, WAG allowed the homes to become uninhabitable. The residents certainly did not want to leave Aston Mead + asked to be able to continue living there until the final decision had been taken. BUT NO, WAG thought the final act was theirs. Then a remarkable Inspector of a Public Inquiry was given the role of decision making. Why not give us your name YIMBY. What have you got to lose now? As for resolving the issue of traffic on A494 look at the root cause, YIMBY. Look at the slip off on the Southerly By Pass linking onto A55. Now there's your problem. Tackle that. And this is exactly what the Inspector of the Public Inquiry recognised. As for the next four years, the new administration for FCC has a huge task ahead of them. They're prepared to give their all for the County + not sit back on their heels + allow a downslide. For the benefit of all the readers to this blog, give them a chance.
Tue Jun 10 10:48:10 2008

YIMBY
But Judith, the "Independent" council candidates who participated in your campaign all produced identical election literature laying claim to a "success" in having the plans scuppered. What will they find to do for the next four years? Improve local footpaths and cycleways? Barely a week after being elected on this single issue, one of the Aston councillors was complaining in the press about the state of the houses at Aston Mead as if this was a surprise. For the information of those unfamiliar with the small estate, the houses are barely pre-fabs long ready for demolition. Many of those who moved out were compensated in cash and have been re-located very happily in modern Housing Association tenancies in Queensferry and the surrounding area. How about some positive action now to offer some suggestions on how your supporters think the main road should be improved? Its surface is currently decrepit and by the end of this summer it will be potholed and dangerous. The improvements are going to happen at some time or another and it would be refreshing should the vociferously opinionated now produce something positive after a "success" based entirely on naysaying.
Tue May 27 08:50:54 2008

Judith at Hawarden
To all the "knockers" of the action group who objected to the A494 scheme may I say how very wrong you all are. The objectors continously asked for "COMPROMISE" not complete rejection of the plans. How do I know? I helped co-ordinate the objectors. And yes I'm proud I'm part of the action group. The Labour run Welsh Assembly and Flintshire County Council were determined they'd get their own way. Discuss/debate would've helped everybody in this venture. So a costly Public Inquiry was held in 2007. Thank goodness for an understanding and shrewd Inspector. This man alone gave a report to the Deputy First Minister. (Copies of the report are available at all local libraries). The report simply said scrap the plans and investigate alternatives. Exactly as the action group had been asking for. The Minister took the decision to heed the Inspector's advice. NO ONE ELSE MADE THAT CHOICE. Then hot on the heels of this decision? Local elections. And what a meal the Labour Party and its candidates made of the Minister's decision. Carl Sargeant AM and Mark Tami MP endorsed ALL Labour election leaflets that the Labour Party/Group had engineered the decision to scrap the A494 plans! NOT SO --- PEOPLE POWER MR SARGEANT AND MR TAMI. The Labour Party have had their answers nationwide. And maybe they'll learn not to jump on the backs of ordinary folk trying to keep their environment a safe area. Hopefully with improved air quality too. One more question. Why do we have a government at Westminster and another at Cardiff doing the same job? Maybe if we'd only had to deal with one governing body the A494 issue could've been dealt with far quicker.
Tue May 6 08:27:25 2008

Aston Rd, Queensferry
Me and my family used to live on Aston Mead and were forced to move by the WAG to make way for the road being widened. It was a very close knit community with the children being able to play out safely with good neighbours we could rely on. We have now all been moved to different areas of Deeside, our community ripped apart, our childern no longer able to play out together, changed schools and no longer feel part of a community. The houses on Aston Mead may not have been the best but it was our home where our friends were and now this road has been cancelled I feel cheated. I think the WAG should have confimed in stone what was going to happen before we were forced out.
Tue May 6 08:19:41 2008

JF Hawarden
Seems that JM of Hawarden is clearly seeing the whole scenario as it is. What an astute person JM is. And the Inspector made the recommendation the A494 scheme is scrapped. Deputy First Minister simply acted as any responsible person would do. He acted upon a report from an experienced and qualified man. Maybe if WAG had listened to residents/objectors in first place the whole debacle would not have had to go through such a long and exhausting process. This was and still is people power securing a sensible verdict/outcome. Well done all the action group for the co-ordination of your campaign.
Thu May 1 08:36:33 2008

JM Hawarden
To clarify the situation regarding the minister's decision to scrap the current plans to widen the A494 Drome to Ewloe. The local residents did not stop the road, an independent inspector recommended that the Draft Orders be not made. The Minister had no choice but to stop the scheme in the form proposed. Over 2300 residents signed objection forms objecting to the scale of the proposed scheme, not to the scheme itself. The A494 Road Widening Scheme would a detrimental effect on other areas, including, Mold, Buckley, Shotton, Connahs Quay, Northop, Sandycroft, Mancot, and Hawarden. The closing of Ewloe Junction would mean that Mold traffic would access the A494/A55 via Buckley or Northop. Brookside Northop Hall would be the junction for northbound traffic that would normally exit at Ewloe or Plough Junctions. Closing the Plough Junction would also add more traffic to the already gridlocked Queensferry Roundabout, Aston Road (the road passing ASDA) would see a traffic increase of 30%. County Councillors from the Aston ward supported the campaign. As W.A.G. did not have a ‘Plan B’ it is very likely that the widening scheme (within the parameters of the Inspectors Report) will reappear in the next two years. The report is available at local libraries. Here are some extracts. The Inspector’s Report recommended the Orders be not made.
1. The A494 Improvement Order. Quote: ‘It is my view that the scale of the scheme is too large both for the traffic issues it seeks to solve and the community through which it would pass. I consider it would have the appearance of a rural motorway located in a situation where space is not restricted’.
2. The Side Roads Order. Quote: ‘There would be significant disadvantages to local traffic, emanating from the proposed alterations at the Ewloe and St David’s Interchanges, particularly for those travelling to and from Mold’. He also mentions the impact the extra traffic would have on the Queensferry Roundabout. ‘In my view insufficient weight is given to the impact that the scheme would have on the on the local community’. He also rejected the proposed Subway alongside the Wrexham to Bidston line.
3. The Compulsory Purchase Order. Quote: ‘I conclude that, in respect of the scheme as published, there is not a compelling case for acquisition in the public interest which would justify interfering with the human rights of those with an interest in the land affected’.
Mon Apr 28 10:21:55 2008

Matt, Ruthin
A truly disgraceful decision. As soon as the A494 hits Wales, the standards and quality of road infratructure nosedives. North Wales needs to attract business, it needs new employment and Wales above all, urgently needs road and rail infrastructure improvements if it has any chance of competing with the rest of the UK. Disgraceful.
Tue Apr 22 11:13:32 2008

H. Ferguson, Mancott
Call me cynical but the reason the Assembly readily abandoned this scheme is that the valleys or Cardiff want the money for some money losing scam (ie Millenium Centre). The people here didn't want it in the first place, there are other routes it could take.
Thu Apr 3 09:52:14 2008

(your old mate) YIMBY
The weekly news roundup on S4C on Sunday made mention of the lack of provision for cyclists and pedestrians in the rejected proposals, as highlighted by the 'stop the traffic' campaigners - but nobody appears to be concerned with the lack of provision as things presently exist. One of the positives about redeveloping this stretch of road should/would have been to properly address the problems of public access from Upper Aston, that is the south eastern part of the ward, from the rest of Deeside, including shops and vital services, council departments, the community hospital and so on. It is presently cut off by the A494, and pedestrian or bicycle/pushchair access is a life risking gamble as the only road (other than crossing a frequently sodden field and using the stinking subway) is via Upper Aston Hall Lane, including a long poorly lit section with no pavement. Whenever there is a hold up on the A494 this becomes a rat run for all sorts of traffic from speeding commuters to heavy vehicles, and there is no bus service. This is a part of the ward completely neglected by the county councillors who have thrown themselves behing the 'stop the traffic' campaign and perhaps once they have come back down to earth after their 'success' they might care to think about some representation for their electors who are not faced with a property value drop but who pay the same amount of council tax as everyone else. It was the now defunct (dissolved by the previous councillors) Penarlâg tenants' association who successfully campaigned to restore a footpath to a derelict railway that was supposed to be connected to the paved part of Lower Aston Hall Lane but this is something that has been neglected in favour of the concerns for better off and more vociferous voters in the more affluent south of the ward. Now that the 'stop the traffic' fight is over, will this find its way back onto the councillors' election agenda?
Tue Apr 1 10:23:13 2008

Bosch, Flintshire
All money paid out on compulsary purchases to be paid back with interest! All the money spent on Shotwick lights/M56 road way will be a success, but all the people who have stopped the Aston Hill changes will now suffer the delays, tailbacks, fumes, noise, heavy goods, difficulty moving about on peak times, delays in emergency services! So NIMBYs you have a whole lotta moaning to do yet, but this time it is of your own doing! When you can't get Billy to school, doctors, hospital, you must take responsibility that it is of your own making. There is no easy answer but I would have thought health and not money would have been a priority.
Mon Mar 31 15:16:02 2008

Phil Edwards from Connah's Quay
Good and valid comments from both sides of the debate on the road widening plan - which has thankfully now been thrown out. What next? I've lived in the area since 1977. At that time I was a Concrete Plant foreman. I produced all the concrete that went into the new road layout at Queensferry - to replace a tiny roundabout that was there! All this expense improved the road at that point, but it simply moved the "bottleneck" further on! My suggestion now is (as some others have suggested): construct a link from the magnificent new bridge, to join the equally efficient A55. The bridge has not reached anywhere near its potential for getting people quickly to the resort towns (and other places) in North Wales and Anglesey. Also, to look at other improvements which could easily be made to the local road network - such as providing three metres of extra road to get vehicles off the roundabout and into ASDA - to ease congestion at that point. There are many small adjustments (including improved road signage, and getting buses to stop clear of the main road when picking up passengers) that can be made which could ease much of the traffic chaos in this area. It just needs a bit of "lateral" thinking.
Mon Mar 31 10:29:21 2008

JD, Prestatyn
Let's upgrade the A548 to a fast and modern dual carriageway right the way through to coastal Denbighshire please, providing a fast motorway link to Chester and the M56/M53 from northern Denbighshire and lower Flintshire, utilising the Flintshire bridge more effectively, and reducing pressure on the A494 and eastern section of the A55.
Mon Mar 31 10:26:42 2008

Sue Clamp, Hawarden
This is addressed to all those absent persons who apparently supported the Welsh Assembly Government's A494 road proposals. Clearly more than 2,500 local residents would disagree with your personal views on the scrapping of the A494 proposed road 'improvement'. A total 4885 homes(homes, not people!) lie within 200 metres of the A494 - the expansion of the existing dual carriageway into a 13 lane road complex, would have had an unprecedented detrimental effect on our community. All persons in the area had the opportunity to give evidence at the September Public Inquiry - that included all residents of Flintshire and surrounding areas. As I recall, only one person actually gave evidence in favour of the WAG proposal (and that was actually a counter proposal to a suggested alternative route). In addition to the protesters, all the Welsh Assembly Government members from each political party, gave evidence against the proposals. The Inspector's Report on the Public Inquiry is over 200 pages long. It contains all relevant documentation from this very intense five week period. If the supporters of the scheme wish to inform themselves of the true facts, a copy is available for members of the general public to read in Buckley Library, Queensferry Library and in Reception at County Hall in Mold, or at WAG, Transport Wales in Cardiff.
Mon Mar 31 10:19:37 2008

JB Hawarden
I'm sure that all the good folk who post comments here will be willing to contribute to the PUBLIC consultation process on Welsh transport issues that will certainly now follow. For those seeking details of the public inquiry inspector's report, it is available (unabridged) for download at http://tinyurl.com/3a5ajg. Anyone who takes the trouble to read this independent professional appraisal will be fully informed of the circumstance and fact of the current proposals - and why he recommended that they be ditched.
Mon Mar 31 10:02:13 2008

YIMBY, Aston
As a local resident I would like to offer the minority view that common sense has not prevailed, but political cynicism has. Those protestors living close to this road will now presumably suffer in silence this summer as the daily tailbacks slowly choke them (and their less vociferous neighbours) to death. How long before they are playing a different tune? (About as long as it takes them to sell their houses?)
Fri Mar 28 14:49:12 2008

Ted from Ruthin
Surely the common sense answer is to use the existing 'underused' dual carriageway and river bridge from the new intersection at Woodbank-Sealand to Oakenholt-Flint and construct a new road from there across the three miles of agricultural land to join up with the A55 in the vicinity of the Northop intersection. This would take all the through and heavy traffic away from urban Deeside, to the benefit of most people.
Fri Mar 28 14:21:43 2008

W. Lindop, Ewloe
Whilst I applaud the decision to abandon this monster of a road scheme I do have some sympathy with those who have to traverse the existing trunk road at peak congestion times. To keep this in perspective though holds ups are fairly minor compared to the daily grind faced in many of the large towns in the country. I could quote many instances, but for a local example try crossing Warrington between 4 and 7pm. The problem with the existing Aston hill trunk is that it was badly designed from the outset. It has death-trap feeds and exits with crossover lanes that inevitably lead to interruptions in traffic flow. It is a wonder that there are not more accidents. However the greatest flaw was the decision to cut off many local roads when the new road was built and funnel local traffic onto the main road. It is not clear whether this was due to penny pinching or to pressure from local vested interest to create islands of relative calm for a privileged few. Had these local roads retained their links to existing roads via flyovers or subways then I doubt there would be as much congestion on the main road and there would be fewer dangerous lane crossovers.
Fri Mar 28 10:48:07 2008

Denis Maggs, Halkyn
The answer to all the problems of the widening of the A494 is to build a flyover beginning the Manchester side of the river to the top of Aston hill.
Fri Mar 28 09:45:32 2008

Gill, Deeside
An independent inspector led the enquiry on the proposed massive expansion of the A494. While acknowledging that improvements did need to be made, he concluded that the size of the project was totally inappropriate. I use the road every day too. Usually it is okay; sometimes there are hold ups - like any other road in the country in fact. I don't see why hundreds of people should have to suffer the effects of the having eleven lanes of traffic at the bottom of their gardens so that commuters can get to work five minutes faster. There are alternatives. If you won't use them, that's your problem.
Fri Mar 28 09:35:23 2008

Wil, Wrexham
No, I don't live on Aston Hill, but I use the road frequently after paying my road tax. Well done the protesters but be vigilant, politicians don't like failure, watch out for an alternative in the same location or very nearby. Why not improve the road through the Industrial Estate, make more use of the much-underused "new" bridge and build a 2 mile road from Kelsterton/Oakenholt to A55 at Northop? Or is this too simplistic?
Fri Mar 28 09:32:52 2008

Chris Humphreys, Ewloe resident
The people who seem to think we who are/were anti A494 widening scheme are NIMBYs need to think again. I don't believe there is anyone who does not think improvements are needed. It was just the vast, unnecessary scale of the thing we were against. I'm old enough to have seen every alleged road improvement in the area and all they have ever done is move the bottle necks backwards and forwards a few miles. Quite frankly, a lot of the problem is caused by people who don't seem to know how to drive on a dual carriageway. The A55 seems full of people who seem to think that because they have paid their road tax then they have bought a permanent place in Lane 2. I suggest the critics of the protesters read the comments made by Mr Taylor, who conducted the public enquiry, before they make any other ill judged and ill informed comment.
Fri Mar 28 09:26:09 2008

Joanne Lee, Mold
I don't live in the immediate area but I live very close and I think it's pathetic that the plans have been scrapped. I have lived here for less than 6 months and I've lost count of the amount of accidents that have happened on this stretch of road, it's simply unsuitable for the amount of traffic that travels on this route. I have no choice but to travel along the A494 every day to go to work, I am not heading towards the M56 so going along the A55 isn't an option. When the traffic is really bad I opt to travel through Ewloe and Aston and exit by the Asda in Queensferry. I honestly believe that as the traffic flow gets busier, which it will, road widening or no road widening, people will also opt to travel this route to escape the bottleneck of traffic. When this happens will the people of Ewloe and Aston really appreciate the increased flow of traffic right through their lovely village instead of around the outskirts? And talking of appearances what is going to happen to the appalling view of empty, boarded up houses along the A494 that were purchased by the Assembly for this project?
Fri Mar 28 09:24:38 2008

JB, Hawarden
I'm delighted to see that these columns continue to offer a balance of views and opinions on the worth (or otherwise) of further expansion to this important Welsh highway. It would have been most constructive had those persons, who found any benefit in the proposals that have just been rejected, argued their case at last year's public inquiry. Almost all of the objectors at the inquiry were rank amateurs. I argued the "health" issue on behalf of two family members aged 2 1/2 and 5 years; kids who would have grown up with the consequences of living and schooling very close to these widened roads. And if need be I'll do it again. My stance was based on the recommendation, by last year's Royal Commission report, that since medical opinion is that the pollution consequences for Human Health are so serious, any future proposals for such schemes MUST incorporate an explicit "Health Impact Assessment". This view is supported by Flintshire Local Health Board. Last week, the Welsh BMA informed me that they are actively pursuing this objective. Despite pleadings from councillors, AMs MPs - and hundreds of ordinary folk -planners at Transport Wales refused to do this. Perhaps they are now coming to the view that any future scheme that they might cobble together that lacks one will get a tough reception by the good folk up here in the Gogledd! Of course scheme objectors use these roads. That's why they are committed to having a major say in any transport development - and the right to call to account and challenge any argument that doggedly insists that it's inherently "good for us". The expression NIMBY hardly does justice to the extent of local feeling on this issue. Not On Our Planet seems much more appropriate. In 20 years time, today's Deeside youngsters can decide who was right.
Fri Mar 28 09:20:43 2008

Coalition Committee Action Group
Today we all saw that common sense prevailed. A report from the Inspector of the Public Inquiry about the A494 proposed changes was made public. The Inspector has recommended the plans are "SCRAPPED". The Coalition Committee Action Group would like to say a very big thank you to all the residents near and far who made their opposition to these ridiculous plans known.
Thu Mar 27 16:57:48 2008

Ben, Glyn Ceiriog
Roads, power stations, windfarms, prisons, waste incinerators are all great...except when they are built on our doorstep. I trust that all the protestors involved in this campaign never use road transport including the other motorway networks, which were all built in exactly the same manner as the now defunct road widening at Aston.
Thu Mar 27 13:07:43 2008

Steve, C/Quay
Delighted. This scheme was clearly totally out of proportion (seven lanes), it also involved closing off key junctions, putting massive pressure on existing overcrowded junctions (including Queensferry). At last common sense has prevailied well done to all the objectors and to IWJ for seeing sense. Maybe now the WAG and Flintshire CC can develop a sensible scaled down plan of improvements to this stretch of road. I just hope that some better 'joined up' thinking is used before putting the next scheme forward.
Thu Mar 27 12:52:26 2008

Martin, North Wales
This ridiculous decision is yet another nail in the coffin for Wales and unfortunately comes after a huge amount of money has already been spent (i.e. wasted) on the rest of the route from the end of the M56.Traffic everywhere is growing, it won't go away. Those that objected to the road, on what is realistically the last bottleneck left on the M56/A55, will get more congestion and more traffic fumes in the years ahead. I have absolutely no sympathy with them. They had their chance to significantly improve their locality with a fast road and completely failed to see the advantages. When industry starts leaving, and you are choking in vehicle fumes right outside your doorstep don't be surprised. It's completely self inflicted.
Thu Mar 27 10:13:28 2008

Steve, Mold
Just heard that this scheme has been scrapped! The NIMBYs strike again, bet if it was in south Wales it would have been built years ago.
Thu Mar 27 09:30:20 2008

Bri Plummer, Connah's Quay
DaveLifeis is quite right regarding the complete and utter mess of the road throuogh Deeside particularly in Shotton. I travelled from Manchester airport recently, the journey took 40 minutes to Queensferry it then took me 35 minutes to get to my home in Connah's Quay. The people on Aston Hill are already complaining about pollution with the now 11 lane juntion. At least the traffic will be moving, not so through Shotton. It's no wonder Mr Butler moved his shop out of the area. I questioned our Welsh Assembly once about the logic of a pedestrian controlled crossing outside the Boots store, he told me it was a traffic calming measure. No Mr Sargeant it is definitely a traffic stopping measure, to such an extent it has slowed the movement of traffic so much that shoppers in Shotton ignore the provided crossings and jay walk in and out of the traffic. Don't talk about the County Council Planners in Mold, Deeside is a forgotten area to them and our councillors are ineffctual in dealing with it. Yes Dave, Shotton needs a by pass but I don't think you will ever get one unfortunately the needs of the birds and the bees have greater priority or maybe it might be a touch of NIMBYISM. From what I remember of the plans to take a road through Wepre Woods it would have required a two pillar one span bridge which of course raised objections from the surrounding dwellers. This bridge would have been serviced with a road from the Aston area which would have been lined with trees and shrubs providing habbitat for countless wildlife, strange how people direct their arguments when it's convenient.
Wed Mar 26 11:28:43 2008

Phillip E Jones, Sealand
The very idea of truth, fairness and equity for the individual citizen seems to have fallen victim to the unseemly and obscene stampede to actually build the highway, regardless of local people's opinions or their opposition. It also appears that an individual and sometimes personally malicious approach is and has been taken in relation to existing and former tenants of the Aston Mead estate, where keeping quiet brings a benefit and being vocally opposed to the WAG and its agents brings about severe financial penalties. Despite their public statements, seeking to justify their unwarranted and unreasonable legal action against one or two tenants, other residents who have kept their heads down and mouths shut, have been implicitly offered extensions to their tenancies by the very same administration who claim to have little option but to forcibly evict tenants from their homes. Out of the dozens of former residents of Tin Town, only two have been threatened with expensive litigation, the same two people who have publicly opposed WAG plans at the estate.
Wed Feb 13 08:43:18 2008

Ian Edwards Opotiki, New Zealand
Ewloe does not need this road scheme. Why do people insist on ruining this lovely village?
Thu Feb 7 08:55:34 2008

Simon, Chester
"Personally, I'd then like to see the A55 upgraded to 3 lanes either way, from Bangor to the M53 interchange (ever wonder why there isn't currently an M55?)"
- I would hope not as I have the A55 in my back garden, and the traffic has got worse over the last few years, although if they want to buy me out and build the extra lanes in my garden, then go ahead!
Thu Dec 20 08:50:46 2007

Cllr Helen Gambino, Aston ward
I would like to thank all those who objected to the ridiculous proposals. We now await the Inspectors report to the First Minister. Let common sense prevail.
Wed Nov 28 09:48:15 2007

Trudie (formerly of 16 Aston Mead)
If anyone has any pix/video of my house being torn down, I'd like to see them. The Welsh Assy bought me out in 1994. Thanks.
Mon Nov 26 08:16:14 2007

Sue Clamp, Hawarden
Now that the Public Inquiry is over, I wish to pay compliments to all the objectors who worked so hard to prepare their evidence for the Inspector. The team effort was truly AMAZING. We managed to cover every possible aspect of this ridiculous proposed expansion with a terrific amount of factuallly correct details. I would like to think that we unearthed quite a collection of untruths, partial untruths and outright mismatches in data, text and WAG policies in our cross examination of the WAG expert witnesses. We managed to stand up well when we were cross examined by the WAG barrister - that was hard - we didn't falter! in our points. Well done everybody. Now it's time to hope that it isn't a done deal, and that the Inspectors' findings will mirror the feelings of the 2,300+ objectors to the scheme in its current format. Pity we have to wait until at least February/March 2008, then we might still be facing a Judicial Review.
Wed Oct 17 14:33:08 2007

G D Sharp, Old Aston Hill
The enquiry is over now bar the shouting. I would like to offer my thanks to everybody that came to show their support, in particular those that spoke did a fantastic job. Those that could not come, we have done our best, those that could not be bothered - don't blame us. I would like to know, does the minister with the final say have a conflict of opinion as he is the AM for Holyhead?
Thu Oct 11 08:42:47 2007

Steve, St Asaph
I see the board up teams were out in force today boarding up the compulsory purchased properties alongside the A494, not long till another bit of the M53 is finished.
Mon Oct 1 08:47:32 2007

Myfanwy Evan Mattes (Griffith Davis clan)
J of Hawarden, Your sarcasm is duly noted. That your needs are defined by your children seems to be the true quarrel. I respect the right to protest growth, I respect you have an education of worth as well; that you chose to deflate my title in efforts toward personal gain is of interest: I am in my locale, known as a naturalist and a conservationist. I do not practice politics as you do. I drive an 87 Volvo, rather beat up but recycled nontheless. I do not have children as I consider my alma mater has enough for me to care for...thus your complete disregard is merely a picture of your own anger I concede may be justifed, it is your management I question; For example, as a teen I was angry that a towering development was going up and now obstructs the view of flora and fauna. As an adult I protested as you do to preserve the last remaining Urban Forest in Ithaca, NY; President (Rawlings) officers actually called my consultants to stop my actions. I am still fighting for the health in lake Cayuga in my own special way. As you wage your justifiable conservation of land ought you consider that we are each unique and beyond compare thus focus on my actual point: Do not emulate highway construction as we have it here in the USA. Simpler that way, eh?
Mon Oct 1 08:37:53 2007

Myfanwy, USA
I certainly respect that N Frost of Queensferry and Sceptic Al seem to have their heads on straight. The back to rails thing is something we cannot encourage enough. Car pooling and public transportation is important too. As yet I would disagree about too much light on a bridge at night: visually overrated, asethetically challenging and is a flagrant misuse of natural resources. Ostentation bears little regard for truth.
Mon Oct 1 08:35:40 2007

J @ Hawarden
Rock on N Frost from Queensferry. The objectors don't want a toxic polluted soup over the area + the 2 unnamed Councillors Sceptic Al mentions have been out-standing. They've replied to anyone + everyone with concerns about the WAG scheme. More trees, trees + more trees. No more new roads, no more fuel pollution clogging our lungs.
Mon Oct 1 08:35:00 2007

Mat
The way that the Assembly is acting in pushing forward with this disgusting road scheme makes me wander if I live in Wales or Burma. I fear that the batons may come out if further objections continue. Maybe the Assembly will censor this email. Only time will tell.
Mon Oct 1 08:21:05 2007

John from Ewloe
To Neil from Buckley. There is an M55; it runs from Blackpool in the West and links up with the M6, north of Preston. Can we assume that your other theories on road links are based on similar knowledge?
Wed Sep 19 08:55:12 2007

N Frost, Queensferry
Sceptic Al where have you been the last 18 months if not longer. The Aston councillors haven't jumped on any bandwagon they've stood up and supported the communtity from the start. They have even supported people from outside their constituancy as other councillors although asked, haven't wanted to get involved. You might notice that come next year when it comes to voting these silent councillors will re-appear like magic! If anyone can make it to the public inquiry please come up and offer support. This is our community and left to the Welsh Assembly and Flintshire County Council we won't have much of one left!
Wed Sep 19 08:54:55 2007

J at Hawarden
Hey, Neil of Buckley, you seen what's planned for Bucklyites? You'll just love phase 3 announced last week by your best mates WAG. You'll be driving to Bangor + back to get to Woodbank (Cheshire highways carving up that area well aren't they?)
Wed Sep 19 08:54:17 2007

L@ Deeside
To Neil from Buckley it would be impossible to call it the M55 as there already is one between Blackpool and the M6 near Preston. I do like the idea of the M56 being extended all the way along the A5117, A550 and A494.
Tue Sep 18 16:29:08 2007

Neil, Buckley
Having to commute every day from Buckley to Wirral, I for one would like to see this proposal go ahead. The traffic delays (particularly on Fridays) can be god awful. The current road is not fit for purpose, and needs to be widened. Ideally, I would like to see the M56 extended all the way along the A5117, A550 and A494, by widening these 3 roads and renaming them, to join the A55 by Ewloe. This would massively improve traffic links into and out of North Wales. Going all the way round the bottom of Chester via the A55/M53 is wasteful and inconvenient. Personally, I'd then like to see the A55 upgraded to 3 lanes either way, from Bangor to the M53 interchange (ever wonder why there isn't currently an M55?) Then North Wales might finally have a road system on a par with the rest of the country, all of which has managed to survive the odd bit of road widening, NIMBYism or no NIMBYism.
Tue Sep 18 14:27:48 2007

Bob, Ewloe
Sceptic Al, come on, admit it, you're our old friend Yimby aren't you? Thought your time here was done, or did the tedious, vitriolic nonsense you spout bore your new audience that much you were forced to return? Either way, get it off your chest somewhere other than a forum to discuss the A494.
Tue Sep 18 14:27:03 2007

Sue Clamp
Well, they have already done it... Welsh Assembly Government have published the preferred route for PHASE 3 of the new North Wales MOTORWAY from Ewloe to Northop... and we haven't even finished fighting Phase 2 Drome Corner to Ewloe at the Public Inquiry. Whatever happened to democracy and the rights of ordinary people... we are the good guys who actually pay taxes and contribute to the economy... I now understand why seemingly normal law abiding citizens transfer into extremists through frustration.
Tue Sep 18 08:35:46 2007

Jill from Hawarden
To Sceptic Al. What a frightened little flower you are to be so terrified of the protesters to this route! Really, we are just a bunch of respectable people who are unhappy about the fact that our health and safety appears to be being sacrificed for the needs of commuters and freight drivers. Flintshire County Council is not known for its integrity. By making some last minute deal with the Assembly, they have acted true to form. It's heart warming that you express sympathy for people living near this road (5,000 of them). There are also three schools within 500m of it and, amazingly, I object to the health of my children being threatened so that more people can travel through the area that they actually live in. Remember, the Assembly have made it clear that there will not be a penny compensation to these people whose quality of daily life is ruined and the value of whose homes is slashed. They are not even prepared to install double glazing. The Assembly and the County Council do not give a damn about the considerable local population who will be affected day in and day out by this scheme - not just when they travel to work. Of course there have always been plans to widen the Aston Hill. But an eleven lane highway was never mentioned! So Sceptic Al, I can quite see why you are so wary. The thought of John Butler, (one of the main protesters) respectable retired business man, devoted grandfather and all-round up-right member of society is enough to strike fear into anyone!
Tue Sep 18 08:20:39 2007

Sue, Hawarden
To Steve from Mold: Ever heard of the A55 Chester Southerly by pass route to join the M56? You don't even have to travel on the A494...and you will avoid ALL the mega roadworks at Woodbank, but mainly you will no longer be contributing to the toxic fumes invading my garden. Resident, Old Aston Hill.
Mon Sep 17 11:51:21 2007

Malcolm Watts, Mold
Now we hear that, having been against the A494 Aston Hill widening in its present form the Flintshire Council have been in secret talks with the Welsh Assembly and have watered down their opposition. So much for democracy, but then most people realise that our elected representatives do not know the meaning of the word 'democracy'. Perhaps it is time to impose a time limit on how long a person can hold public office, such as two terms, then perhaps it would attract people who really want to represent the people of their area and not the people who are in it for themselves. If we had lived in a true democracy both the Welsh Assembly Members and the local Councillors would have got the feelings of the local people long before they decide themselves what was to be done about the traffic flow into Wales. Tourism is a big part of the economy of North Wales and we do need people to visit the area but why ruin a whole community when there is a viable alternative?
Mon Sep 17 09:24:11 2007

J @ Hawarden
Hello Myfanwy from NY, USA. I love flora + fauna. It takes a lifetime to grow a really good tree but just 5 minutes to chop it down. Where do all the birds that shelter in the trees go to when their favourite roost is hewn. What about squirrels etc. These monsters who call themselves PLANNERS need re-educating don't they ? Thanks Myfanwy
Mon Sep 17 09:09:40 2007

Chas @ Deeside
What's the matter sceptic Al ? Are you a councillor affiliated to a particular political party so that means you're not allowed to think for yourself ? The Independent councillors are just that. Independence means thinking for yourself while you're up and running. Not having to ask permission to issue a statement or before you make any kinda move. Sounds like you're pretty JEALOUS.
Mon Sep 17 09:00:32 2007

Sceptic Al
Are local councillors not allowed to disagree with the objectors' point of view on pain of being witch-hunted out of office? This suggests that it is entirely why the present Aston councillors were so quick to join the campaign / jump on the bandwagon, and it is why I choose to remain anonymous. Anyone who has seen the extent of the roadworks between Sealand and the motorways M56 and M53 will immediately realise what is about to happen if the road is not now built - twice daily standing traffic on Aston Hill and far worse pollution than is experienced at present. The works, when completed, will at least keep the traffic moving as it forms part of the 'stealth' motorway building programme (lots of by-passes that get joined together) that has been under way for many years now. It's easy to sympathise with those who will not qualify for rehousing, i.e. those living a couple of streets away from the works (which are at present quiet and non-through routes) which will suffer a significant increase in traffic noise and atmospheric pollution. But it is very late in the day to reverse a planning decision on this scale without alternatives that have been as thouroughly prepared as the plans have for the proposed expansion, and it is disingenuous of the campaign leaders to suggest otherwise. Did these same people rabble rousing against the works support or sympathise with the residents further inland who now suffer similarly invasive noise and atmospheric pollution from the cement works extension at Padeswood? I seem to recall the residents of Penyffordd being out on a limb. Will anyone be surprised if the campaign leaders are able to retire gracefully after a decision is reached by the Public Inquiry? I doubt it and I wouldn't be surprised were they to pop up again and again at local and Assembley elections for the forseeable future, as 'independents' (Tories in disguise) no doubt. The only sustainable alternative would be a cut and cover route through the green belt north west of Connah's Quay, and a scaled down expansion of the A494, but that idea is already ten years too late.
Thu Sep 13 08:52:50 2007

Steve from Mold
As someone who uses this road a lot to get onto the M56, can I say how much I welcome these proposals. But why is it taking so long to do? Please, please get on with it!
Wed Sep 12 12:44:33 2007

N Frost, Queensferry
It's great to see that so many people who have written on here are all saying roughly the same thing. Maybe we should ask the Welsh Assembly to read it! I would just like to point out that Queensferry is going to be badly affected if the junction at The Plough is closed as traffic will have to come down from Aston to Queensferry to access the A494. Why can't we utilise all routes, the Flintshire Bridge, permanent signs from the M56 and the A494. Hey or even use the railways! I would like to point out that the Queensferry councillor, David Wissinger, has not given any support although asked!
Wed Sep 12 08:10:05 2007

Nick Lester from London
I used to work in St Davids Park Ewloe and I travelled in from West Wirral. From time to time, I took the Upton-Hawarden train. I wonder how many more would use it if it was more frequent than hourly, bigger, reliable, faster, clean. One answer is a decent rail link direct through to Liverpool
Tue Sep 11 12:28:10 2007

Jacques, off Fflint
Quit this nonsense about more roads in Flintshire. We already get millions of people coming. Block off the road so they stay at home, where they belong. That way, Gray gets his pies back from Asda, we all have less CO2 and pollution, and people get time to tidy up their gardens, which is what they should be doing, not slacking off to Wales for the weekend.
Tue Sep 11 08:43:34 2007

L @ Deeside
This is now beyond a joke! I agree with the people who want traffic from the M56 to use the Flintshire Bridge to link up with the A55. A £40 million bridge that hardly gets used. It has great potential to be part of a new route to get people to the A55 and the coast and also to be used as the gateway to Wales! This would be so much better than destroying people's houses and creating a superhighway straight through a residential area. I think to use the bridge as a gateway to Wales would be fantastic, it could be lit up at night and why not a Welsh dragon on the entry to the bridge. Forget the A494 - focus on the A548.
Tue Sep 11 08:42:11 2007

Nick, Web Team
The long awaited public inquiry into the widening of the A494 starts on Tuesday Sept 11 2007 at the Holiday Inn on the A55, near Northop Hall. It's thought about 40 objectors will be speaking at the inquiry which is expected to last three weeks, according to BBC Local News.
Mon Sep 10 15:55:25 2007

Myfanwy E. Mattes, NY. USA
As a graduate of Cornell University, dept. Urban Studies and fromer transportation planner/practitioner I fully support J@Hawarden. A little known fact of the US Highway system is that they were designed in response to the "1960s". Thusly were created for preparation of "communist" invasion. They are currently maintained at great cost yet are able to support aerospace navigation should there be any cause. Paradoxically, planning for the best is not exclusive to preparing for the worst. If I had my druthers [U.S: would rather] I'd no less plan for war than support an oil based economy. Further reading title: 'Small is Beautiful'.
Mon Sep 10 09:08:30 2007

Malcolm Watts, Mold
The widening is totally unneccessary when a new road from the new bridge up to the A55 would suffice. It would cross farmland I know but that is a better alternative than to destroy a whole community. From the plans even the traffic from Mold going across the border to Wirral would have to go through Buckley and the surrounding area as there will be no access onto the A55 as there is now. When I visited the exhibition at the Deeside Leisure Centre and asked why a link road to the A55 from the new bridge would not be a better option he explained to me that only a small number of vehicles cross the new bridge every day. Of course there is minimal traffic over the bridge, it does not go anywhere. It would be a better idea if these road schemes were only planned and decided by the people of the county through which they are going to run with consultation only with the neighbouring county which is affected, instead of the idiots in central government who know little or nothing about the area and do not care at all about anyone but themselves. What really amazes me is why we elect these people into office again and again. Perhaps it is the general public who are stupid!
Thu Sep 6 09:56:16 2007

Dave Lifeis, Deeside
Flintshire Planning obviously haven't got a clue and are complete Numpties, there doesn't seem to be any thought in anything the Planners do in the area, from roads, to commercial buildings given planning consent next to homes and families. What's the new road going to bring? Yet more problems I guess. Flintshire's Planning is a joke and is the butt of jokes around the country along with its infamous policing against motorists!
Wed Sep 5 09:58:44 2007

Cath, Connah's Quay
I want to clarifiy a lot of comments on here about the buses through Shotton. There were never any laybys for the buses to stop before the planners put pretty railings and extra lights up. Now the bus stops right before the extra crossing that they put in opposite the Nat West. Whoever planned that should be sacked. This year there was a week's trial where both bus stops in Shotton were put out of action for a week to see what impact that had on the congestion. This had minimal reduction in the queues as the main culprits are the lights. I travel to work every day from Connah's Quay to Queensferry by bus and have done since 1973. The local buses are a vital link for non car drivers and have to be maintained and supported. So don't blame the buses for the 'car park' through Shotton, blame the planners. And ask them what happened to the one-way system that was planned though Shotton in the eighties. The car park area behind Boots and the Nat West was originally cleared for this purpose for traffic from QF to turn left there leaving the C/Q to Q/F traffic a clear run though. Food for thought?
Tue Sep 4 09:26:17 2007

V from Deeside
To R Hughes from Oakenholt:- There is no compensation and no double/triple glazing to be had. Because the A494 exists it's not classed as a NEW road so NO COMPO. WAG said if they give new glazing they're admitting defeat. A494 objectors have never asked for Dee Bridge to be specifically used. The objectors just asked for alternatives to be examined AND the objectors have always asked for LESS LANES to the A494. If anyone says otherwise, contact the action group,they'll put you straight. Contact C Sargeant and M Tami. They know what's been asked for cos they've been in on meetings with the action group. Don't believe what WAG tell you all at Flint. They're trying to get us all to fight with one another. Let's show just how grown up we all are.
Tue Aug 28 11:24:02 2007

Northop Hall Gee Gee
Northop Hall has become a by-pass for C/QUAY and SHOTTON just give US a by-pass. We have only got lanes or B Roads for all traffic, just give us a road from Wepre Inn to the old A55 - distance approx half a mile. Also close the Brookside entrance to the A55 and move it to opposite the Golf Club in Northop.
Tue Aug 28 11:08:40 2007

Martin Hughes, St Asaph
This stretch of road is dangerous because of its lack of hard shoulders and very heavy traffic loads, if nothing is done to improve the layout of Ewloe and remove dangeous junctions accidents will occur on this road. How do you stop motorists from northwest England using this road if you prevent construction? More vehicles will continue to use this road as the A548 (Flintshire bridge) goes nowhere and it lacks freeflow junctions along its length and on its links with the A550, you would have to build to upgrade this road with a link to Northop, however what about traffic going to Mold or Rhuthun? Or using the south Chester bypass to Ewloe from Wrexham or Chester?
Tue Aug 28 11:07:55 2007

Eric Palmer, Bryn-y-Baal
Jason Roberts is right, Shotton traffic is bad and the main problem is from railway bridge to wepre brook where the only access and egress is with the main road. Buses are a problem with the removal of lay-bys and if the bus companies don't want a lay-by then they should only stop to pick up and drop off passangers and not collect money. And the traffic lights at bottom on Plymouth Street are an accident waiting to happen with railing stopping a good view and no space between lights and crossing. Either get rid of crossing or include Plymouth and Salisbury in the control. There are lights at Shotton Lane and Wepre Drive both where there are alternative routes but none to assist people between the two bridges where there is no alternative route.
Mon Aug 20 10:57:24 2007

Jason Roberts from Shotton
The traffic in Shotton is a now a common joke. I work near Liverpool and frequently the Scousers ask me how I cope with the congestion around Deeside. 'Badly' is my answer but the solution is simple. There are far too many traffic lights for a start. The two miles from Queensferry Asda lights to Wepre lights there are several sets of traffic lights - why? Most people cross the road anywhere in Shotton anyway and lights that change when there is nothing to stop for (Shotton lane) - that is really frustrating. Another thing is the buses - why so often and do we have to have congestion just because the drivers don't want lay-by bus stops and so prefer to have bus stops that stop all the traffic! Build a bus station and get rid once and for all, it's beyond a joke and causing a lot of stress to many Shotton and Connah's Quay people!
Wed Aug 8 10:30:38 2007

R Hughes, Oakenholt
All these comments about making a road from the new Dee Bridge to the A55 are a non starter. Are you not aware that the bridge closes when there is a high wind or ice on the cables, where would all the traffic go then? What needs to be done for the people on Aston Hill is to make sure that all the people affected by the loss of their property are properly compensated and that others are properly looked after by triple glazing their properties against the noise, BEFORE the project starts. Our extensive knowledge was gained from the bitter experience and living hell, with both the building of the new Dee Crossing roads and the power station being built together.
Tue Aug 7 10:21:08 2007

Ste from the Quay
Years ago there was a sign at the bottom of the Aston hill informing lorries to keep in the left hand lane, does anyone have any idea what happened to this?Flip, your latest comment read to me like as long as it's not in your back yard it can go anywhere. No one wants roads ploughing through their town. It's all too easy to say but we need to get out of our vehicles. I'm just as guilty as anyone, in fact I work in the car industry and sometimes feel guilty contributing to the production of nearly 45 cars every hour. Whilst doing this my employer is boasting about how they have saved 30% on electricity costs at my factory. Stick the cost of car tax on the fuel and see how eager people are to go for their Sunday papers in the car then. This will then have a knock on effect with the amount of traffic used in the area. It may do me out of a job long term but I will manage as long as I have legs...
Mon Aug 6 11:26:12 2007

Phil from Connah's Quay
We do not need the Aston Hill road (A494) widening. If it went ahead where will all the extra traffic go? It will hit the congestion at the top of the hill! What we need on Deeside is some "intelligent" and "sensible" traffic management. There are a lot of small relatively inexpensive alterations to local roads and junctions which could vastly improve traffic flows. Things like re-painting the lane lines as you come off the main roundabout at Queensferry, to give traffic going to Asda, and the bases wanting to use the nearby bus stop, a dedicated lane. The existing middle lane (which is not much used at the moment) could be used to take traffic through to Connah's Quay/North Wales coast, and the extreme right lane, kept (as it is at present) for traffic wanting to go into Queensferry. I believe this simple alteration would stop traffic building up onto and around the main roundabout at Queensferry at peak times. This is a very dangerous scenario which will I feel lead to a serious accident soon. There are many other simple ideas which could ease much of the jams and chaos on Deeside - look what happened recently when an "Arriva" bus broke down in the middle of Shotton - absolute chaos. Surely this amply illustrates the need to get the buses off the road when they stop at bus stops. Back to the A494. I believe money would be far better spent in constructing a new link road from the excellent new bridge at Connah's Quay, direct to the A55 expressway. Alternatively, a new by-pass could be built along the shores of the river Dee to link with the by pass at Ffynongroew (or further along). Such a road would provide visitors into North Wales a magnificent view of the first castle in North Wales at Flint. They would have the marvellous coastal views as they drove through. This would be far better for the economy of North Wales, and would dramatically ease the traffic situations at Queensferry, and on the Aston Hill. I apologise for seemingly "stealing" the same ideas as many other people have put forward on this site, but it shows just how many people have ideas which are sound of thought, and which would be practical in application. Why don't the people in positions to implement some of these excellent ideas, LISTEN!
Mon Aug 6 11:01:26 2007

Flip
To Gareth of Flint - Nobody wants anything to go through Flint, it's not an option. All that's been asked is why can't the Flintshire Bridge be linked up to a road to join with A55? Just logic really. When this bridge was originally designed, the intention was for it to reduce the traffic flow from Queensferry to Connah's Quay. It's so under-used that Deeside folk get very cross about the costs of the construction. It's so easy to be a NIMBY. But why should we people here have to live with something we don't want. We don't want a gigantic motorway through our area. Why do we have to have all the air pollution & noise pollution. You try it a while. Flint is a nightmare to get through. All the money allocated to your town has proved worthless. Still mega traffic jams every day of the week. Tell all your councillors to keep out of our affairs. Leave Deeside alone.
Wed Aug 1 08:01:42 2007

Gareth, off Flint
This alternative route would surely not propose to send hordes of traffic over the Flintshire bridge through the centre of Flint? And the alternative to that is that a bypass is built, which isn't without implications itself, it will further serve to carve up the area and pen in and hinder development. I would suggest that instead of looking at curing the congestion, why not address the cause? The cause of the congestion is HGV use of a steep incline. Might it not be simpler to try and remedy the incline? Either with extensive re-landscaping or with a tunnel or something. However if that's not doable, then I think it reasonable that the people living on Aston Hill should be given a fair price or provided replacement properties and allow the development to go ahead. The transport links across Wales are shameful.
Wed Jul 25 13:53:43 2007

ML Mold
We do not want the A494 and A55 road widened. I have seen first hand the negative impact that the initial widening of the A55 in the 80s has had on the communities of the towns and villages that it cuts through. If the start of this road is widened on the entry into Wales it will only move any existing jams further along the road, creating the excuse to keep widening the road along its entire length. North Wales does not need a motorway. One hoped that the devolvement of centralised governmental power would have resulted in a Welsh government of Wales for Wales, and that our future was in safe hands. However it seems that the people in power have the same limited vision and policies in regard to transport, environment and people as their centralised predecessors. Please listen and hear the people of Wales, a localised government's priority should be to serve the needs of the local communities.
Tue Jul 24 08:50:47 2007

Mat
I live right next to the road. It doesn't need 9 lanes. Every day I travel around the UK and nearly every other road or motorway around any major city has congestion that is 100 times worse than that found on the A494. It does get congested on Bank Holidays but big deal, the other roads in the UK are congested all the time. The so called major traffic problem, I feel, must have been invented either by over ambitious councillors who live in Cardiff and who need to make their mark to prove how important they are, or unscrupulous contractors who are good at convincing people, who don't know what they are talking about, that they need something they don't. I bet that people who really think this is a good idea probably don't drive anyway. They are just like the people who supported the smoking ban in pubs who have never even been in a pub. Interfering is the word I am looking for. If you don't live by the road then don't think that you have the right to comment. You don't. And if you live in a different country then please get a life. When the same thing happens by you then you can comment, and we, the local people, will not comment on your little problem.Please feel free to comment...
Mon Jul 23 11:43:32 2007

Bob, Ewloe
For goodness sake. Just how long does it take for the penny to drop with some people? If there is an accident, or if Ewloe Interchange / Northop Hill remain unaltered, or if roadhogs continue to sit in lane 2, it does not matter if the motorway is built to 5 lanes wide - there will still be queues. The drivel typed on here about neighbours hurting their backs or incidents resulting in hold-ups will not be solved by any amount of waving of a magic superhighway wand. Just look a bit further than the end of your noses folks and you will see miles of tailbacks on 4 lane motorways when there are incidents, half asleep wagon drivers who swerve onto motorway hard shoulders hitting standed vehicles and 4 lane motorways at a standstill during busy periods through the sheer volume of traffic. The "I'm alright Jack" mentality of some people just serves to strengthen my resolve to fight these proposals even harder.
Fri Jul 20 13:59:08 2007

Mark Tami MP
The groundswell of opposition against the widening of this road is apparent in this BBC online debate and I continue to see no reason for the creation of a super-highway along Aston Hill. Better would be the development of the M56-A548 passage into Wales, which would offer considerable benefits over the A494 expansion.Firstly, two major access roads into Wales would eliminate the congestion we see regularly due to accidents, roadworks and broken down vehicles. Traffic could be diverted from one road to another when such eventualities occur. In addition, this would eliminate the need to widen the A494 as traffic flow would be shared between the two roads. Vehicles destined for coastal areas would be advised to use the new Flintshire Bridge route, while other traffic could remain on the A494. Finally, this idea would finally see the new Flintshire Bridge used by more people. The proposed alternative route is now being investigated and I will be attending the Inquiry. I think in the meantime it would be beneficial to all if debates such as this could exclude personalised attacks.This is a highly emotive subject, but the sort of bickering that is evident below does not do justice to the enormity of the issue.
Wed Jul 18 16:43:44 2007

Jill from Ewloe
To Dave from Buckley. So a community of thousands of people is to be destroyed because you took an hour to get home from work one night. It's nice to know that some local people are showing such support and sympathy! By the way, has there been any comment from Mark Tami over these schemes? He seems conspicious by his absence on such a major issue. What exactly does he do apart from appearing at the odd school now and again?
Wed Jul 18 08:17:56 2007

Colin, Queensferry
The sooner it's done the better. My neighbour broke down last year going up the hill and there is no layby going up hill, a lorry hit him from behind and he suffered back injuries. Luckily, they are alright now.
Tue Jul 17 13:09:56 2007

Sue from Hawarden
At last, we have an authoritive person... the Inspector at the Public Inquiry who seems to recognise that there is an alternative route, already with some well prepared infrastructure, to the totally illogical overkill expansion of the 4.25 km stretch of the A494 in the highly dense residential area at Queensferry, Aston Hill, Aston and Ewloe. There are THREE schools within 500m of this proposed A494 route ... has no-one heard of the Gaudermann Report and its evidence against children's health caused by traffic pollution? Not to mention the thousands of people who frequent the ASDA car park alongside the A494 road ...
Fri Jul 13 09:18:42 2007

J @ Aston
To Stan of C/Quay - You must be a very clever person. Someone who notes right from wrong. The Flintshire Bridge/Dee Crossing would appear to be the easiest & most cost effective answer as you suggest. But then you've a brain.
Thu Jul 12 09:43:55 2007

Stan, Connah's Quay
What is to be gained by widening the road from Queensferry to Ewloe where the road then narrows to two lanes again? Surely the obvious answer is to link the new Flintshire Bridge direct to the A55.
Mon Jul 2 08:17:31 2007

David from Buckley
Yes, I'm all for the road widening as it will be a benefit to all. When anything breaks down in lane one it stops all lanes. I was held up at Deeside Industrial Park slip road for 1 hour the other day just because a lorry had broken down, normaly it takes me 15 mins to get home. Sooner it happens the better.
Mon Jun 4 07:58:51 2007

Helen Butler
And now to add to this mess they are going to errect a 'billboard', call it art and obscure the real Welsh hill.Please support the opposition?
Fri Jun 1 13:36:35 2007

Dave, Mancot
Can't some of the traffic coming west on the M56 be taken round the south side of Chester as all the traffic is directed through Queensferry?
Thu May 31 08:17:08 2007

Bob, Ewloe
Neil, Birkenhead. You are spot on with the rail link comment - the electrification of the Bidston-Wrexham should be a top priority in the WAG's stated ambition for sustainability etc etc. It will never happen though.Regarding the A494 resurfacing works that are currently being carried out, these are corrective works due to the 'ride quality' on the drome to woodbank phase not being within specified limits. What on earth the supervisory staff on this scheme were doing when this was laid is a mystery (crossword puzzles whilst claiming overtime is my guess). For your information this section was carried out by the UK's largest surfacing Subcontractor on behalf of the UK's largest civil engineering Contractor, i.e. they were hardly amateurs. This is yet another graphic example of NEWTRA's ineptitude. These are the people we will be entrusting to oversee the Drome to Ewloe Phase, a scheme four times more costly and hugely more complex than the Phase 1 fiasco they are now belatedly trying to put right.
Thu May 17 14:17:20 2007

Neil, Birkenhead
I work on the industrial estate in Pentre. There is a railway line that runs along the side of the estate. If this line was electrified, a platform installed somewhere reasonably close to Pentre and some more regular trains run from Bidston station, I wouldn't need to drive to/from work every day. There must be a great number of other people in a similar situation to myself, including a good proportion of those working at Airbus in Broughton. Why are the powers that be not trying to make better use of existing infrastructure rather than wasting money on an endless cycle of road building? They are now resurfacing sections of the A550 between Shotwick and Queensferry - this was only finished 2 years ago, so why in god's name are they digging it up again, causing yet more congestion. Madness!
Tue May 15 11:09:44 2007

J @ Hawarden
We don't need more roads - the trees & fields should be left alone for the wildlife/habitat. The area to be tackled is from Queensferry to Flint - the queues there are awful & that's every day.
Mon Apr 30 08:43:15 2007

Hayley O'Gara, Connahs Quay
I'm a student currently studying Photography in Yale Wrexham, I'm doing my final major project based on protests and action being made in a community of people. I can't find any direct address or names of one who would know of any protests on this event. That’s if there is one in place? I was hoping if anyone knows of any contact details? which would be really helpful. Thank you
Thu Apr 26 13:13:24 2007

Chris Jones
Local residents views are key to this issue. Widening roads is not the answer just look at the M25 carpark all around London. Can't planners see these stategies are not working.
Mon Apr 23 09:37:33 2007

Mike Griffith from Llanfynydd
This proposal is just another case of moving the traffic jam. Or will it be a case of creating the traffic jam, like they have done on the southerly approach to the Queensferry bridge? Drivers heading into Wales are met by a sequence of man-made hazards coming in quick succession. A major flow of traffic joining from the left, a reduction from 3 lanes to 2, a reduction in speed limit to 50 mph and a dangerous dog-leg to get the road lined up onto the bridge. For many drivers this sequence is simply too much for them to cope with, even at 50 mph, and when things get busy, the traffic starts to back up. With a little foresight and some EEC money, that beautiful bridge and the road to nowhere could solve the traffic problem and also help to revitalise a neglected area around Flint without having to destroy the lives of a whole community.
Thu Apr 19 16:26:07 2007

JH @ Deeside
Bob Hill @ Buckley. There will be no compensation. WAG stitched up that gap. Because this is an existing road no compo will be paid out. Go speak to Carol Ellis-Buckley County Councillor. She'll put you straight. If this goes ahead, life will be hell for Buckley folk.
Thu Apr 19 08:18:33 2007

Bob Hill, Buckley
I sympathise with the views of local people who will be disrupted by the road widening but have to express the view that the go ahead should be given as soon as possible. To start to have second thoughts at this stage is unthinkable and a slap in the face of the thousands of people who have been disrupted by major road changes between Hull and Holyhead or Perth to Holyhead. On completion of the extention of the M56 this bottleneck will be the main disruption to the free flow of traffic from Wales to the North of England and Scotland. Unfortunately, the greater need of the majority will always cause some disruption to a few but the proposed changes are an absolute must and should go ahead as soon as possible. I do, however, believe that those whose lives will be disrupted by these proposals should be generously compensated.
Wed Apr 18 08:09:10 2007

Mat
The road is an unneccessary waste of time and money. Only a loony would suggest putting a 70mph road through a residential area was a good idea. To all those people who want the road to go ahead then I hope something like this goes by you soon and then we'll see how you would like it.
Thu Apr 12 08:16:24 2007

j@ hawarden
To the Welsh Assembly spokesman - we know the date of the pre inquiry date & the inquiry date in September.
Tue Apr 10 08:22:32 2007

j @ Hawarden
To the Welsh Assembly Spokesman - whoever you are. What's the date of the Inquiry? You must know by now.
Mon Apr 2 07:54:30 2007

Welsh Assembly spokesman
Andrew Davies, Minister for Enterprise, Innovation and Networks, has today announced that there will be a Public Inquiry into the A494 Drome Corner to Ewloe Improvement proposals. It will be held later this year. This announcement follows publication of the draft statutory orders for the scheme. Andrew Davies said, "There has been much interest in the proposals and a Public Inquiry is the appropriate forum for taking people's views fully into account. I shall consider the Inspector's findings carefully before deciding whether or not to proceed with the published proposals." The Public Inquiry will be held before an independent Inspector and arrangements will follow nearer the time. These will include a pre-inquiry meeting at which the Inspector will clarify the procedures.
Mon Mar 19 11:53:57 2007

J at Hawarden
Bob at Ewloe. Rock on! You're so right
Mon Mar 19 09:08:41 2007

Bob, Ewloe
Yimby, you're such a wag, but your comments must not be allowed to go unchallenged. I resent being accused of bullying and being abusive. Your response to my earlier comments that comprised "Whatever you say Bob" sums up the lack of sensible counter arguments proponents of the scheme such as you are able to offer. Defending the indefensible will inevitably result in your disappointment.
Fri Mar 16 09:39:17 2007

J @ Hawarden
YIMBY-As I thought. Stop trying to play every one against the other. We'll not stop opposing the American-style freeway.
Thu Mar 15 08:35:50 2007

Yimby
Well it didn't take long for the 'debate' to get personalised and verging on abusive. This in itself informs us of the nature of the protestors, self interested, self righteous, and bullying. What could have been an intelligent discussion of the reality of the options available has already descended into childish name calling - my work here is done.
Tue Mar 13 08:06:18 2007

Steve, C Quay
Yimby, the rest of Wales does not say 'yes'. What about the increased pressure on the Queensferry roundabout and the local roads? Do you not understand that we may save a minute or two on the dual carrageway but it will be lost again when we are all queing on the local feeder roads! I have never objected to any road scheme before but there is obviously no joined up thinking here. Just how closely has the WAG liased with Flintshire CC on this one? Spend the money on roads yes but spend it wisely. Make minor improvements to Aston Hill to improve safety, spend the rest of the money improving access for the people all over Deeside. Please take the blinkers off!
Thu Mar 8 08:42:55 2007

Bob, Ewloe
Yimby, Thanks for the cogent response, not bad for over 2 weeks deliberation. Something absurd or fatuous is the definition of nonsense, for your future reference. Take a look at the picture up top of this messageboard, lanes jammed solid with frustrated motorists are clearly on display, warranting the £200million plus expenditure to shave a couple of minutes off your journey. Now that's nonsense.
Wed Mar 7 08:57:24 2007

JH @ hawarden
YIMBY - My word you really don't like the idea that anyone else has ideas other than you. By the way these plans are not 10 years old, but far older than that & also outdated. When you are stuck in the gridlocks that A Davies & R Morgan plan for you lets hope that you remember your pleasant digs at us campaigners. Or do you just like stoking the flames to see if we bite? Personally I think you are juvenile in your attitude & selfish.
Wed Mar 7 08:23:09 2007

Yimby
Whatever you say, Bob. Sadly for your lot though the plans are in place and it will take a lot more than a photo opportunity in the local paper and an off-the-peg election campaign to get ten years' strategic regional planning reversed, not least as the lobby against the A55 / Flintshire Bridge 'alternative' route through green belt land or sssi's is far more influential and longer established than the highly localised and parochial "Aston Hill Says No" nonsense. The Rest Of Wales Says YES.
Tue Mar 6 08:24:17 2007

JH @ Hawarden
To Arthur at Garden City.
Rock on Arthur - You're so right. These people don't give a damn - just stick a pin in a map to destroy some poor person's life. Know what makes it worse? These people are paid from our taxes
Mon Mar 5 07:44:40 2007

Arthur from Garden City
Sack all the so-called road engineers / planners. All they're doing is causing havoc and misery in regards to the people who live in the Deeside area.
Tue Feb 27 10:24:08 2007

JH @ Hawarden
To Nat from Llandudno - If you use these roads to conduct your business, why don't you go via A55-M53 junction 15 onto M56? You may get to like this route. Know why? No traffic lights, no roundabouts, and your foot on the accelerator all the way to your destination. To Sparky from Shotton - You should be ashamed of youself. Bet you're one of the rat run drivers yourself. What you gonna do when the Ewloe & Plough junction's are closed permanently. If you viewed the plans in January you would've seen for youself that all local traffic are to be discouraged from using the A494. The Assembly said this road is to be for "passing through traffic only". You'll have to add on an extra 4/5 miles to your daily journey. Wake up and see the truth. To John Parry at Flint Mountain - You're completely right. The Dee Bridge was axed for no apparent reason. We never get the right answers, just a load of lies from the Assembly. How easy it would be to carry this bridge up to the A55. It would be the solution to everyones problems and guess what? An awful lot cheaper than the American style freeway that would be the A494.
Tue Feb 20 11:01:51 2007

Bob, Ewloe
Yimby. Your newly adopted conciliatory tone speaks volumes. The greater good is already well catered for via the A55/M53/ A494/Flintshire Bridge et al. The A494 does, of course, need major maintenance to D2H standard - that is obvious. But sanctimonious sniping at a significant proportion of the local community, who only want to have a say in their future is, at best, ill informed. REMEMBER, the Welsh Assembly's plans for Aston Hill represent the implementation of one of the largest road schemes in the UK. It is largesse. I am Deeside born and bred and have no plans to move away and furthermore have had enough of the vociferous road haulage community who, for too long in this country, have called the shots. In 50 years time the Celtic Tiger will be dead, road haulage will be taught in history books and the 11 lane folly on our landscape will sit as testimony to your mantra "more is better". Aston Hill Says No.
Mon Feb 19 13:42:54 2007

DW, Hawarden
Dear Nat, So you think this 'widening' should go ahead, one reason being to make North Wales a viable place for 'our' children. What about OUR children who will have to live beside it? Have you read all the medical research about the health of children living beside major road ways? What makes one child's life and health more important than another? What does our children's health matter as long as travellers can get in and out of Wales as quickly as possible?
Mon Feb 19 10:56:20 2007

Dave, Drury - Reep what you sew
Surely this is a planning disaster that has been waiting to happen? Ever since Ewloe & Hawarden have been transferred into concrete jungles over the last 10 years then what do you expect? Hawarden is just one big obscene dormitory town with no character, culture or community. Exactly the opposite to what the old Ewloe, Drury & Hawarden used to be.
Fri Feb 16 14:43:53 2007

Lynne from Holywell
Well, Gray!! Get up earlier - remember that particular shop is open 24/7. And try making your own pies! Tourists never seem to clog up the road until about 11.00 a.m. Wales does need tourists that is for sure!
Fri Feb 16 10:31:39 2007

Chris Jones, ex-Mancot
The reality is that the road widening will not eliminate the queues, it will simply relocate them from Queensferry to Ewloe. In years to come, Ewloe to Northop will be widened and the queue will move to Northop. Eventually, the A55 will be 6 lane dual carriageway all the way to Bangor and then the residents of Bangor will be complaining; will traffic-free Queensferry residents support them I wonder?
Thu Feb 15 16:11:48 2007

Yimby, Aston.
What will happen if the widening is abandoned in response to protests from the 1400 petitioners? The whole 10 year planning process will have been wasted, and at enormous public expense. The focus will shift to building a link road from the Flintshire Bridge to the A55. The options available (the green field route, widening existing lanes, the coastal route) will be discussed, argued over and all rejected. Again. Ten years from now we will be back at square one, today's objectors will have died off or moved on and the traffic will be worse all over the area, gridlocked in places on a regular basis, making Deeside a less attractive or healthy place to live and one in which economic growth will have stagnated. Residents' reservations with regard to local access need to be addressed and some difficult decisions made, but this situation should be considered an opportunity for growth and improvement to the whole local transport infrastructure. It's all very well to rabble rouse with cleverdick slogans like "Aston Hill says NO!" but this betrays the wider concerns and implications of a negative campaign. It would appear from the public response to the protestors' posturing that "Wales says YES" to improved communication and opportunity, and that local objectors would stand a better chance of holding some sway by adopting a less confrontational stance and showing some understanding and willingness to cooperate for the greater good of those people near and far who depend on this road link.
Thu Feb 15 15:38:01 2007

Nat from Llandudno Junction
This road needs to be built as the traffic is truly awful in the rush hour and especially in the summer. What a lot of these nimbys forget it that some of us need a decent road to do our business and make North Wales a viable place to live for our children. Personally I would open up most of the A55 to 3 lanes each way and call it the REAL M55 and not that joke of a road in Blackpool!
Wed Feb 14 11:15:47 2007

Sparky...Shotton
I live by the planned new road system that the Welsh Assembly are trying to create. I have lived in Shotton all my life and at present I am fed up with the amount of accidents that happen on the A494 which causes tail backs! Some of the idiots that cut through our estate of Higher Shotton don't drive at the correct speed...considering the residents, on the contary they do speed which causes us to have a "RAT RUN" that the Residents of Higher Shotton are trying to combat. If you have the road go through, this problem will be reduced considerably as the whole A494 will be wider and if there are accidents in the future the flow of traffic will still carry on. No more "RAT RUNS" on the Higher Shotton Estate. So I look forward to change...! The people of the Old Aston Hill & the surrounding areas etc should quit complaining and let it happen because change does happen and it should happen! So bring the "NEW ROAD" on! And live with it!
Tue Feb 13 09:15:12 2007

Office of Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, has presented more than 1,400 letters of objection to the A494 Drome Crorner to Ewloe Road Improvement Scheme to the Assembly's Cabinet Secretariat.
Mr Sargeant said: "More than 1,400 people are joining the many other local residents who have already raised objections to the scheme by making submissions to the public consultation. Objections raised in these submissions include the principle that there are viable alternatives which have not received adequate consideration, objections to the sheer scale of the proposal, and concerns over the increased speed limit. There are environmental concerns over air pollution and the increase in carbon emissions. There are worries that the style of the proposed road will lead to mass warehouse-style developments, and increased travel times and distances for local residents. I have been proud to present these 1,400 letters. The public reaction to this proposal has been extremely strong, and I am asking the Minister for Enterprise, Innovations and Networks and his officials to listen to every voice which has been raised. The Minister is well aware of my own views and I have made it clear that I am unable to support the scheme as it stands. I have asked him in my own personal submission to the public consultation to consider an alternative route across the Flintshire Bridge."
Thu Feb 8 14:42:54 2007

JH @ Hawarden
To Trudie Thomas @ Houston Texas. I don't doubt that you care. But the fact that you do not even live in the UK does not give you the right to judge what is best for the locals. We live here you do not.
Tue Jan 30 08:59:08 2007

John Parry, Flint Mountain
We have a magnificent two lane bridge across the Dee adjacent to the east of Flint. This has minimum traffic at present and traffic signs deliberately divert traffic from this route to the A55. Traffic goes down the A5119 to Flint from the A55 following this diversion abd cosequently through Flint. Why is this route accross the new Dee bridge, and a bypass to Flint along the coast and a connection to the A55 not being considered? Surely when you stand at the Welsh roads traffic lights having come from the end of the M56 the route is obvious and direct, accross the bridge and then on to bypass Flint and up the hill to join the A55. Why hasn't this been considered?
Mon Jan 29 16:26:26 2007

Trudie Thomas, Houston,TX, USA
To JH @ Hawarden...I may have emigrated, but I still care about my roots...
Mon Jan 29 15:23:15 2007

Wendy Snowden
I come from Shotton and my family still live there. I remember how the roads used to be when I was growing up there in the 70s. Now it's turning into a death trap. My mum is now 86 and every day, just to do her shopping in Shotton, she has to try to cross those roads, trust those lights, and stand in filth, fumes, noise and pollution. Do our older generation deserve to see the areas they have lived, grown up in and worked all their lives for turned into a disaster waiting to happen?
Mon Jan 29 10:05:11 2007

Concerned Local, Ewloe
When you look at the drawings available on the www.drome2ewloe.com website it seems that these plans have been thrown together by a distant pencil pusher who has no idea how the local traffic flows. Take a close look at drawing 1 and you'll see that there is no exit slip to Ewloe from the A55 from north Wales coast direction. So are people expected to travel down to Queensferry and then back up the single carriage road past the Plough? Tell me if I'm wrong but one of the reasons this dual carriage way was built in the first place was to take traffic off the local roads.
Mon Jan 29 10:02:27 2007

DW. Hawarden
We moved here 12 years ago, with full knowledge of the intentions to 'widen' the A494. What is proposed, is not a 'widening'. When people talk about the need for progress and the need for a better infrastructure into North Wales, I agree. I'm all for progress, it's part of life. But there is another alternative, which is the Flintshire Bridge, which would not affect 100s of lives. Unfortunately, through research because of the proposed 'widening' and recent studies having been on national news, I have had to become more aware of the pollution situation. I find this very depressing. I have not got a 'Newfound Green Ideaology' I have always tried to do my bit for the environment. There is no one out there who is all for the 'motorway' who can put their hand on their heart and honestly say, if it was them looking out on 13 lanes of traffic and had to live with the noise and pollution, that they would be happy as long as it was benefiting the people flying past at 70mph? Please understand why we have to fight this, if you thought long and hard, you know that you would do the same. As for our two councillors, they have been fantastic and each move and step they have made, have been on the request of the residents.
Mon Jan 29 10:01:38 2007

Al, Deeside
What happened to the new bridge link up with the A55 which was supposed to come out at the Springfields? This would ease the problem. What a waste of money.
Mon Jan 29 09:59:04 2007

JH @ Hawarden
To Trudie Thomas @ Houston,Texas. If you emigrated why should you care? We still live here along with our children & grandchildren. We live in God's Little Acre. And no-one is going to use bully-boy tricks & get away with it. We won't give up without a fight,and we won't run away from it either.
Fri Jan 26 10:36:19 2007

YIMBY, Aston
I live in the ward and I will take a keen interest in the works. Once the improvements are complete the traffic will move faster and there will be less congestion, so there will be less pollution as traffic will move more freely. The alternative is to see a steady build-up until there is standing traffic every day, with clouds of exhaust fumes far worse than we experience at present. How then will the traffic be acommodated whilst widening work takes place? Up Aston Hall Lane and the other B roads, as occurs every time there is a minor accident anywhere between Sealand and Northop? The councillors concerned might have won wider support for their opportunist, happenstance bandwaggoning had they been consistent in their new found Green ideology over the past five or six years. There are still young mothers risking their lives and those of their toddlers every day between Penarlag and ASDA, but I guess the fact that their property values are not under immediate threat means their needs are less important to the great and good.
Fri Jan 26 10:33:43 2007

Trudie Thomas Houston,Texas,USA
I used to live in "TinTown" - Aston Mead, to the uninitiated - that little cul-de-sac you look down on when you go up Aston Hill. I lived there from 1985 until 1994 when the WA bought me out, (then they rented out the property til they were ready to demolish it) in order to widen the Aston Hill - that was 13 YEARS AGO...trying to do something about it NOW is NOT gonna happen folks. I'm sorry, but that the way it is. I have read ALL the comments from everyone (so far! )& I have to agree that there should be another way around the problem, and have the powers that be really thought the whole thing through? Would they still use the same game plan if it was in their back yard? Yes, I emigrated, but we also have road problems too, and our freeways, beltways, toll roads & loops are way larger than yours, it took me 25 mins to travel less than 1 mile during my trek to work this morning. Produce cars - produce car jams - end of story y'all!
Thu Jan 25 08:02:41 2007

JH - Hawarden
To YIMBY - I hope that these changes do come directly into your back-yard - I hope you taste, breathe & smell the foul fumes from the gas guzzlers. Let us know how you feel when your home develops structural problems from the big diggers, followed by the constant flow of traffic. Did you know that locals are to be discouraged from using the American style free-way that the odious Welsh Assembly plan for your back yard? You'll have to join in with the other drivers in a permanent grid-lock when the Plough junction is closed. The Labour Party Defectee & the Tory Clone have brains, and recognised the situation and the impact on the community. Come on Yes In My Back Yard, grow up. Look at all angles, don't be a selfish child. It's easy to admit when you're wrong!
Wed Jan 24 09:32:18 2007

GDS, OLD ASTON HILL
This is to Yimby of Aston, I am sorry but I just had to replay to this silly comment that you have made about two of our local councillors. These two are fighting for the rights of you and the rest of the people that live beside the A494 to breathe clean air. I would like to hear your thoughts on globe warming, I don't think eight lanes of tarmac are going to be of any help, do you?
Fri Jan 19 07:45:12 2007

Stu, Flintshire
I can understand locals being concerned about the development but extending the road is an essential if we are to attract more people into Wales. This is supposedly the 'Gateway to Wales' yet it's two lanes wide and as someone has already mentioned, when there's an accident or one lane shut you can be queuing for an hour without getting anywhere, hardly a plus point is it? People go on about promoting tourism in North Wales but the network into North Wales at present isn't anywhere near sufficient enough to allow people access to what North Wales has to offer.
Thu Jan 18 15:07:39 2007

Yimby, Aston
There is a lot of hypocrisy, self-interest and self-promotion involved in this so called "people's" campaign, namely the two county councillors at the centre of the publicity, one a Labour Party defectee, the other a Tory clone. Get this much needed road built and operational ASAP, the regional economy depends on it and the parochially bourgeoise (for that is precisely what they are) NIMBY element will go on bleating regardless. Sad (for them) but they have left it far too late - the planning process started many years ago.
Tue Jan 16 08:31:11 2007

Bob, Ewloe
Dave from Flint, just how much do you want spending to make things "faster and safer" for you? Living where you do, you already have a shiny white bridge to get you to the English Border, or are you like the rest of us N Wales residents and forget that it's there? By the way, faster and safer are mutually exclusive in terms of road traffic.
Thu Jan 11 11:52:31 2007

Dave Beeston, Flint
It's a long-needed section of road. I'm particularly pleased it's going to be of motorway standard, but why not call a spade a spade? It's not called the M494 so that it seems a little more acceptable, but it is a motorway in all but name. And so it should be... safer and faster, simple as that. We need rapid transport in and out of the area if it is to continue to flourish.
Thu Jan 11 07:54:42 2007

John Butler, Old Aston Hill
This corridor of super-highway (in parts, 11 lanes wide!) is currently being passed off as the only way of ensuring the economic well-being of the Principality into the future. Despite the WAG now disclosing to me last night that, during 2007 that they will be making public a complete revision of their Transport Strategy for Wales, they concede that their latest proposals for Queensferry are based on planning strategies that are about to be superseded.
Just how many of us does it need to call to account – and ridicule where appropriate - data and transport network considerations that do not accurately reflect year 2007 road-fuel and operating costs and ignore current concerns, of even the most avid consumers amongst us, in respect of noise, public-health, climate-change, and food-miles?
The overriding ethos of the proposals, as so far presented, is that they are definitive -and inevitable. And despite the Assembly's claim to be uniquely connected to the aspirations of its constituent voters, these last-decade, proposals continue to receive top-down political backing.
This week, dozens of people are opening their mail to find - perhaps for the first time - that their homes, farms and businesses are now subject to compulsory purchase. For those poor souls it's now official. With few exceptions, others, whose households happen to be located outside an, officially endorsed, 100 metres 'exclusion-zone' - are not considered worthy of direct communication. And are still in the dark.
But the concerted action of hundreds of Deeside householders is making for greater transparency. The persistence of some residents has forced the Assembly to break more than a little sweat over the Christmas and New Year holiday and arrange a revised e'xhibition' this coming week has resulted. It will not tell the whole story. There will there be no mention of similar scale proposals for Mold, Alltami, Buckley, Northop and beyond. The plans to creep westward and carve up the whole of N Wales will continue to be made behind closed doors.
With Assembly elections on the horizon, and public feelings running high, a full revelation could trigger a total loss of confidence in Welsh Transport circles. So maybe that's why they have decided to restrict the scope of what's to be on view to less than a 3km section of the whole.
Anyone has the right to walk into the latest exhibition of proposals at Deeside Leisure Centre. I urge every family to go and see for themselves this small sample of, just what is threatened soon for the immediate locality of Queensferry. And then ask why the plans for the N Wales motorway can't be seen in their awesome entirety.
And perhaps also to ask why the whole show can't wait until the findings of the 2007 Transport Strategy report have been made public?
Tue Jan 9 08:49:37 2007

Phil, Wirral
I used to use the A494 to travel to work in Broughton, I've been employed there for 17 years. In the last few years it's been a regular gamble to get to work on time. It only takes 1 breakdown or, God forbid, a crash to back up all the traffic. I now use a longer route & travel on the M53/A55. Any aid to help flow is welcome in my opinion. I may take a look in 2008/9 to see how it's getting on!
Tue Jan 2 10:33:55 2007

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