A55: Road reopens after Conwy county taxi death crash

BBC Congestion on the A55BBC
The A55 eastbound road closure has led to congestion in the area

A motorist has died after a taxi crashed on the A55, leading to hold-ups lasting for more than eight hours.

The driver died at the scene at Dwygyfylchi, Conwy county, between junctions 16 and 17 at about 05:55 BST.

A 23-mile (37km) section eastbound from junction 11 for Llandegai to junction 19 for Glan Conwy was shut all morning while North Wales Police investigated.

The Premier Group confirmed it was one of its taxis - a white Hyundai - that was involved in the crash.

In a statement, the company said: "The management and staff are currently assisting North Wales Police with their investigation.

"Our sincere thoughts go out to the family of the deceased person."

Police said the dead person's next of kin and the coroner had been informed.

Motorists had faced a 39-mile (63km) detour before a single carriageway reopened eastbound at Dwygyfylchi on Saturday afternoon.

It was not until shortly before 19:00 that both lanes reopened.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said it sent crews from Llanfairfechan and Llandudno to the scene.

Traffic Wales Traffic on the A55 at junction 16 Puffin roundaboutTraffic Wales
Traffic was diverted away from the A55 eastbound at junction 16 Puffin roundabout before a single carriageway reopened