A BUSY junction on one of North Wales’ busiest tourist routes is to have safety work carried out after fears that traffic lights there could cause crashes.

The Druids junction between Cerrigydrudion and Corwen on the A5 sees thousands of tourists and residents travel through it each week.

Last year fears were raised by county councillors in the area who said the sequencing of traffic lights is dangerous as it means the lights are on green from both directions on the A5 if people want to turn onto the A494 towards Bala, meaning they have to turn across on-coming traffic.

But there may be some relief in sight though as officials from the Welsh Government went to inspect the junction today and have said changes will take place.

Llandrillo/Cynwyd county councillor Mabon ap Gwynfor said: “We appreciate the fact that officers from the Welsh Government came out to meet us as local representatives and listen to the concerns of witnesses and people who have experienced accidents at the Druids junction.

“Having listened carefully to local residents and considered the available evidence, they confirmed that they will immediately change the sequencing of the lights, and monitor its impact on the traffic over the summer months.

“This will hopefully resolve the problem at the junction. However, other steps could be taken if they find that this does not improve the situation. We’ll remain in contact with these officers until we are content that the problem has been resolved.”

Minister for Economy and Transport, Ken Skates, vowed more work will be carried out to ensure safety at the site.

He said: “My officials have held a positive meeting with local councillors and residents to discuss their concerns about the A5 at Druids. Following a feasibility study into the current mode of operation of the traffic lights at this junction, we will shortly be making changes to the phasing of the signals, whilst longer term we will consider the situation following a period of monitoring. 

"Ensuring the safety of all road users will always be the number one priority and we will continue to gather data and analyse this junction as we do with all areas of the trunk road network.”