A55 Expressway upgrades North Wales (Program)
North Wales, UK · Ongoing (various phases, e.g., £1bn package over 10 years from c. 2020) · £1 billion (overall package over 10 years); specific projects like £40m for J14&15 design, £30m for active travel.
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchCommitment to a long-term program of improvements to support the North Wales economy. - Emphasis on active travel integration as part of road upgrades. - Phased approach to delivery, with specific junction improvements and sections being tackled individually. - The A55 is considered the "backbone" of the North Wales economy, highlighting its strategic importance.
Key engineering challenges
Improving capacity and safety on a vital economic corridor for North Wales. - Integrating upgrades with existing infrastructure and sensitive coastal environments. - Managing traffic flow during construction on a busy expressway. - Incorporating active travel provisions alongside major road upgrades.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Welsh Government
- Lead contractor
- Various (e.g., Design and Build contractors for specific sections)
- Lead designers
- Ramboll (for J14 & 15 design)
- Project type
- upgrade
- Scale
- Multiple junction improvements, widening, active travel routes along the A55 corridor.
- Disciplines
- civil; structural; environmental; transport planning; active travel design
- Standards & frameworks
- DMRB; CDM Regulations (Wales)
Sources: Welsh Government (https://www.gov.wales/30m-active-travel-route-and-a55-improvements-officially-opened) - Ramboll (https://www.globalhighways.com/wh8/news/ramboll-upgrade-two-junctions-a55-north-wales-expressway) - ITV News (https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2023-05-18/uk-governments-a55-pledge-questioned-by-former-conservative-mp) - Daily Post (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/work-begin-29m-scheme-improve-17821183)