Motorists and pedestrians are being urged to plan ahead before making a trip into or around Swansea city centre from this Sunday (July 26).
That day at 9am is the moment when a number of key roads change from one-way traffic to two-way.
Swansea Council is behind this major change and has issued a map to help those in vehicles and on foot to become familiar with the new lane directions.
It is important for all those entering the city centre in the early days of the new layout to plot their routes on the road, by cycle and on foot.
Council leader Rob Stewart said: “We’re all on auto-pilot to some extent when using familiar streets.
“In the early days of this excellent new road layout I ask that everybody takes a little time to understand how traffic will flow from this Sunday.
“We’re publicising the change widely so it can take place safely and efficiently – residents can look out for our #KingswayTwoWay hashtag on social media.
“Our map for driving through Swansea city centre from July 26 is available for download, we’ve emailed it to businesses and posted it on noticeboards around The Kingsway.
“The new system will bring great benefits including more direct travel routes, more route options, more public space and more areas to relax. To help its introduction, it’s important that we all show consideration and respect for others using it for the first few times.
“I thank the public for the understanding they’ve shown during this improvement process.”
The two-way switch – overnight from 6pm on Saturday, July 25, to 9am on Sunday, July 26 – will take place on The Kingsway, Orchard Street, Christina Street, Mansel Street, De La Beche Street, Grove Place, Alexandra Road and Belle Vue Way. Cradock St will change its one-way direction. The junction of Pleasant Street and Orchard Street will close.
Traffic marshals will be on duty to help motorists through the work and the changes. Businesses, public transport operators and residents are being kept up to date on the changes.
The switch to two-way traffic is designed to allow more direct journeys across the city and help reduce traffic on The Kingsway.
It is part of multi-million pound Swansea city centre regeneration work and will mean that the £12m Kingsway Infrastructure Project is closer to completion.
The Kingsway area’s extra greenery and pedestrian areas – along with the improved traffic flow – aims help make the city centre a better place in which to live, work, shop and do business. There has been positive early feedback from pedestrians and businesses, with children using the new wave-style landscaping and playing around the paths on the Kingsway Circle’s pedestrian area.
On the roads involved in this scheme there will be a 20% increase in the area set aside for dedicated disabled daytime parking bays than in the recent past.
Final work on making changes for Sundays switch will see road closures through this Saturday night from 6pm. Diversions will be in place and signposted. There will be access at all times for emergency vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
The Kingsway scheme has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government. Funders for some other elements of Swansea’s regeneration include the Swansea Bay City Deal.