'Total nightmare' as roadworks outside North Wales hospital cause chaos - and it's set to get worse
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
'Total nightmare' was how one driver described the situation outside a North Wales hospital after weeks of roadworks got underway. This was a view echoed by scores of motorists left stuck in long queues at and near Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor.
The works are happening between the Ysbyty Gwynedd roundabout and Cae Cilmelyn and will take around 10 weeks. It is to install a new cycle and pedestrian track on the Penrhos Road route - a point of contention and frustration for many of those complaining. They believe it won't be well used and the money better spent on fixing potholes.
Hospital chiefs had warned of "significant disruption" prior to the project getting underway. This has proved true at certain times of the day. Some have reported delays of around an hour, while for others it has been between five and 15 minutes. The bad news is that it is expected to get worse once schools are back from the Easter break. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
On Facebook, one person said: "Be warned anyone going to Ysbyty Gwynedd over the next 7-8 weeks, there are major works at the entrance in to the hospital with traffic lights on all the side roads. It took one of the nurses an hour and a half to get off site last night. It's only going to get worse when the schools start back, total nightmare."
Another added: "I took my son to an appointment this morning and the traffic was all the way down from hospital to the roundabout. It will be much worse next week when the kids are back in school. People definitely need to allow a lot of extra time if they have an appointment."
Paul Andrew, Integrated Health Community Director of Operations for the West of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: 'We kindly advise all patients and visitors to allow additional time when travelling to the hospital. These works are likely to cause delays, and we want to ensure everyone arrives on time for their appointments. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding during this period.'
For many this is not a price worth paying. That's because they don't believe it is worth the multi-million pound investment in the cycle and pedestrian path being created.
One person said: "It's an absolute disgrace that they are spending money up there....cyclists don't use the bloody pavement, they have more authority now than car owners but they don't pay road tax or insurance. Maybe think of building a multi-storey car park for people in the hospital."
Another added: "Absolutely ridiculous, what a waste of money. £4.8mil to create a cycling path which will only be used infrequently! It would be much more beneficial to carry out work on the roads instead of patching up here and there to fill the potholes.
"Those people in there have already worked over 12hr shift and they are now expected to sit in their cars trying to go home for another two hours, what is this world coming too, I hate to think." Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
Find out what's happening on the roads near you
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
a day ago
- Daily Record
Teenager praises ‘amazing' Paisley hospital experience after volunteer role
Sophie Henderson has been helping out at the town's Royal Alexandra Hospital. A teenager who provides companionship and support to patients at a Paisley hospital has told how the role has helped prepare her to study medicine at university. Sophie Henderson spends around two hours per week after school as a volunteer at the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) assisting patients in a medical respiratory ward. The 17-year-old said the experience and commitment has given her a valuable insight into working in a clinical environment – and built her confidence as she works towards becoming a doctor. The Johnstone High School pupil, who is currently finishing sixth year, has been accepted to study medicine at the University of Aberdeen after the summer. She has been volunteering at the RAH for over a year and initially supported the staff 'relaxation and recuperation hub' when she joined during the Easter holidays in 2024. She went on to become a ward support volunteer. Sophie told of her 'amazing experience' working with patients, staff and visitors, and the rewarding feeling she gets from providing companionship to those who may otherwise feel isolated. She said: 'I come in every Thursday at around dinnertime and the nature of the respiratory ward means that often you see the same patients multiple times. 'They will quite often remember me from the last time they were in hospital and it's really nice to know I've made an impact on them. 'When I come in, I will usually go around each of the rooms in the ward to see if anybody needs anything, and then will sit and have a chat just to keep them company. 'It has been an amazing experience to build these relationships with patients and staff and to spend time in a hospital setting – it has really built up my confidence. 'It has also given me perspective and some knowledge and experience of the different roles of people working in hospitals. It really helped me prepare for my future career in medicine and confirmed this is something I want to pursue.' Sophie shared her story as NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) celebrates Volunteers' Week. Many sites are actively seeking to recruit volunteers. More information about volunteering and current opportunities can be found on the health board's website. Sophie received training and was paired with a 'buddy' when she first started doing shifts, and later went on to become a mentor to other new volunteers. She also recently won a summit award for her outstanding contribution to volunteering. Harry Balch, volunteer manager for NHSGGC's Clyde sector, said: 'Sophie is a valued member of the volunteer team. She is friendly, professional, organised and compassionate and possesses excellent interpersonal skills. 'Within the department, Sophie is incredibly hard working and very respectful in her approach and the patients benefit hugely from the time she spends with them. 'Volunteers' Week gives us the opportunity to say a huge thank you to our volunteers and celebrate their generous contribution. 'Volunteers come from all walks of life, bringing a whole range of experience and skills to the service and that's what makes volunteering so beneficial. 'Not only do the volunteers provide invaluable support to patients, it can be a hugely rewarding – and sometimes surprising – experience for those who volunteer.'
North Wales Live
a day ago
- North Wales Live
Police issue update on search for owners of dogs found in car stopped on A55
Police are still trying to track down the owner of one of two dogs found in a car stopped on the A55 on Tuesday afternoon. The dogs were discovered after North Wales Police were called to a report a vehicle towing a caravan had been seen weaving on the carriageway. The vehicle - a BMW X5 - was stopped in Colwyn Bay, and the driver was arrested on suspicion of drug driving. Two dogs were found in the vehicle, but police said the driver was unable to give an account of who owned the animals or what they were called. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox The man was further arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, theft of dogs, obstruct police and an outstanding fail to appear allegation, they said. A 30-year-old man, from County Laois in Ireland, was released under investigation, however was remanded to appear before Llandudno Magistrates Court this morning charged with the separate fail to appear allegation. The dogs – a Jack Russell cross puppy and a Fell Terrier - were taken to the Colwyn Bay Neighbourhood Policing Team office at Police Headquarters, and they have since been taken to kennels where they remain. Both dogs were checked for microchips and one has since been identified but police enquiries are ongoing to identify the owner of the second dog. Anybody who may have information is asked to contact North Wales Police via the website or by calling 101, quoting reference number 25000455904.
Wales Online
a day ago
- Wales Online
Police issue update on search for owners of dogs found in car stopped on A55
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Police are still trying to track down the owner of one of two dogs found in a car stopped on the A55 on Tuesday afternoon. The dogs were discovered after North Wales Police were called to a report a vehicle towing a caravan had been seen weaving on the carriageway. The vehicle - a BMW X5 - was stopped in Colwyn Bay, and the driver was arrested on suspicion of drug driving. Two dogs were found in the vehicle, but police said the driver was unable to give an account of who owned the animals or what they were called. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox The man was further arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, theft of dogs, obstruct police and an outstanding fail to appear allegation, they said. A 30-year-old man, from County Laois in Ireland, was released under investigation, however was remanded to appear before Llandudno Magistrates Court this morning charged with the separate fail to appear allegation. (Image: North Wales Police) The dogs – a Jack Russell cross puppy and a Fell Terrier - were taken to the Colwyn Bay Neighbourhood Policing Team office at Police Headquarters, and they have since been taken to kennels where they remain. Both dogs were checked for microchips and one has since been identified but police enquiries are ongoing to identify the owner of the second dog. Anybody who may have information is asked to contact North Wales Police via the website or by calling 101, quoting reference number 25000455904.
