NEVER-ending roadworks on Wales’ busiest Expressway are causing traffic chaos.
Commuters, tourists and tourism officials have slammed the Welsh Assembly Government for long delays and tailbacks caused by road maintenance on the A55.
Chris Jackson, chairman of North Wales Tourism, said people are so fed up by holdups on the dual carriageway he fears tourists won’t come back.
“The North Wales Tourism board have received two letters of complaint about the A55 recently,” said Mr Jackson.
“One was from a man who missed his ferry to Ireland due to the roadworks.
“The other was from a man who has a caravan here and who said he would relocate if these roadworks continued.
“These are just two forms of evidence to show that a lot of people are taking the opportunity to complain.”
The A55 Expressway, originally ran from Chester to Bangor but was extended parallel to the A5 across Anglesey to Holyhead docks in 2001.
The road improvements were part funded with European money, under the Trans-European Networks programme, as the route is designated part of Euroroute E22 to Russia.
Mr Jackson said the world was changing and it is about time Welsh roads should change direction too.
“We try to tell people that the works are only temporary, but of course this is not the case, if they aren’t at Abergele than they are further east or west,” he said.
“The A55 is plagued by maintenance work, and it’s not just tourists, they affect commuters, people waiting for deliveries... everyone.”
Vale of Clwyd MP Chris Ruane said: “It really is time we got to grips with the A55 and examined how the road can be improved as it is not giving a good impression of North Wales when there are regular traffic jams and we could face a situation whereby visitors will not return.
“Residents and businesses in North Wales should also not have to suffer these all-too-often occurrences.”
A Welsh Assembly Government spokesman said: "Essential safety work, including the resurfacing of the carriageway, is currently being undertaken on the A55 near Abergele.
“Any delays that are caused as a result of these essential works are regrettable but we would urge drivers to plan their journeys accordingly.
"Routine maintenance is due to start to start on the A55 at St Asaph on May 9,” he added.