THE A55 perfect storm gridlock at Llanddulas is set to end on Wednesday ahead of schedule according to the Welsh Government.

The A55 had been reduced to single lane contraflow working with a speed limit of 40 mph between Junction 23 at Llanddulas and the footbridge at Colwyn Bay,.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “Contractors are now in the process of reinstating the road to allow the contraflow to be removed.

“We hope, weather permitting, to have the road fully reopened on Wednesday morning, a couple of days ahead of schedule. We thank motorists and the local community for their patience during these essential safety works.”

The roadworks had been described by cllr Brian Cossey who represents Colwyn on Conwy council, as a perfect storm. He said: “We ended up with the perfect storm closure of the prom and the roadworks on the A55. The traffic through Old Colwyn is horrendous with everything funnelled through the village. It's time some consideration was given to people who are just trying to go about their normal business.

“We definitely need to have a proper alternative route. Residents of Old Colwyn are sick and tired of the continued traffic congestion every time any work is carried out on the A55.

“The prom will be closed more often with climate change and rising sea levels. We need the Welsh Government to understand the need for new 21st century sea defences.”

The reason for the roadworks was to allow essential repairs to the A55 Kneeshaw Lupton under bridge eastbound carriageway. The work started on Sunday September 8 and was scheduled to last for five weeks. It caused an increase in traffic in Old Colwyn as motorists seek to bypass holdups on the A55 using rat runs.