Lorries getting stuck due to 70-mile detour

Lorries are getting stuck and blocking roads because of a 70-mile diversion, according to local residents and a councillor.

A section of the A470 in Talerddig, Powys has been closed since 17 January after a hole appeared.

Concerns were raised about the increase in traffic on a smaller road through Talerddig and Bont Dolgadfan when initial plans were revealed, as people try and avoid the longer Traffic Wales recommended diversion.

The Welsh government said that the work remained "on programme" and the details of any unauthorised drivers using weight restricted roads will be "passed to Dyfed-Powys Police".

Work to repair the hole is expected take up to 12 weeks.

During this time, direct bus services between Machynlleth and Newtown have been suspended, with children using train services to reach nearby schools.

However, there have been issues with the increased traffic on the smaller road between Talerddig and Pont Dolgadfan, where there is a soft grass verge and vehicles have been getting stuck.

Last week HGVs blocked the B4518, ignoring signs made by locals to try and deter such issues.

Tony Littlewood, from Bont Dolgadfan, said residents had been "left to their own devices", and people had destroyed his driveway and hit his garden walls while using his drive as a turning point.

"It's awful. There is no respect for residents at all," he said.

Mr Littlewood said he had resorted to placing plant pots on the entrance of his drive to prevent further damage.

Fiona Cawley described the situation as "disappointing" as residents were promised traffic controls to ensure no large lorries would pass through the village.

But on Tuesday, Ms Cawley said such controls had not yet been put in place.

"I think the lorries don't realise this road is not really suitable," she said.

"They get here and then they are stuck. The impact then is traffic jams, problems for locals, [who] need to get through on time and they are being held up by inappropriate traffic."

Network Rail has since announced a 16-day closure on the Aberystwyth to Shrewsbury rail line, creating further travel disruptions.

Llanbrynmair Community Council Chairman, Eifion Davies, said that closing the A470 had "caused major problems".

He said: "It's not easy for the artics [articulated lorries] and the big lorries to reverse and then locals have to try and help them out.

"A driver from eastern Europe was stuck here last week because her sat-nav sent her along this back road which is not suitable.

"We feel that a greater presence is needed at each end of the back road to advise lorry drivers that this route is unsuitable.

"Powys Council and the Welsh government could have communicated this better, and explained what is going on. When there are large vehicles like this travelling on a small road, it is important to take steps to ensure safety for everyone travelling along the road."

The Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates said the contractor was currently working weekends to "expedite the completion of the works".

He said: "Additional resources to man the closure points between Monday to Friday have been agreed and implemented."

He added additional signage along the approach to the closure points had been installed and frequently checked throughout the day.

"Details of HGV drivers attempting to negotiate the county road network, which is the subject of a 7.5 tonne weight limit will be passed to Dyfed-Powys Police."

The Member of the Senedd for Montgomeryshire, Russell George said the "significant issues" had left "families in limbo".

"The handling of this road closure has been unacceptable, with little to no coordination between Welsh government, Transport for Wales, and Network Rail.

"Residents, businesses, commuters, and students are now left facing severe travel difficulties, with no clear solutions in place."