MOTORISTS are being warned that vital flood defence works in Rhyl will cause delays.
Construction of the new harbour wall to the Foryd Harbour, which takes place as part of £10 million West Rhyl Coastal Defence scheme, will see a Rhyl road close until the start of August.
A Denbighshire spokesman said: “In order to carry out the sheet piling element of the works - the inner harbour - it is necessary to close West Parade from its junction with the Wellington Road roundabout (at Foryd Bridge) to Quay Street.
“Access to West Parade will be via a formal diversion route through Quay Street. For short periods two-way traffic lights will also be required on Wellington Road.”
The spokesman said that attempts would be made to minimise the use of traffic lights to reduce traffic disruption.
Councillor Ian Armstrong said that pedestrian and cycle access would be maintained along West Parade at all times.
He said: “The sea wall is an absolute imperative for Rhyl. We used to have 31 feet tides, but now we have 33 feet tides, which shows how sea levels are rising. The project has got to be a good thing for the West of Rhyl.”
Councillor Sharon Frobisher, Cabinet Lead Member for Environment, appealed for drivers to be patient during the works.
She said: “We know this may cause motorists some disruption at this time but I’m sure everyone will agree it will be worth it once the scheme is complete and thousands of homes and businesses are safe from the threat of flooding for future generations.”
Rhyl councillor Brian Blakely warned residents and commuters that the diversions, which began on Monday, already had an impact.
He said: “I’ve just been stuck in the traffic coming out of Rhyl. It’s noisy and it’s going to cause disruption, but it’s a job that needs doing. If it doesn’t get done then we are going to be subject to flood risk. It’s best to prevent than deal with things after the event.”