URGENT UPDATE: The A55 has faced unprecedented challenges in 2025, including a significant surge in traffic, a devastating lorry fire, and numerous wildlife incidents. With 226 million journeys recorded up to Christmas Eve, traffic has spiked by 14 percent compared to last year, placing immense pressure on traffic management officials.
Officials confirmed that a serious lorry fire in June posed one of the most significant hurdles, leading to the closure of the Conwy Tunnel for nearly two days. A multi-agency response was required to ensure safety and restore traffic flow swiftly. The tunnel reopened just 48 hours after the incident, highlighting the efficiency of the teams involved.
Throughout 2025, Traffic Wales has been proactive in maintaining road safety, managing over 10,406 events across North and Mid Wales. These incidents included everything from traffic breakdowns to clearing 657 pieces of debris, including tires and even sofas. Additionally, there were 221 animal-related incidents, involving wild deer and domestic animals, underscoring the diverse challenges faced by traffic officials.
On August 1, the A55 recorded its busiest day of the year, yet Traffic Wales teams remained vigilant, responding to incidents with an average response time of just 11 minutes. Nearly half of the 5,620 events attended by traffic officers were breakdowns, emphasizing the critical need for regular vehicle maintenance.
Traffic Wales Communications Manager, Nerys Fychan, stated, “It’s been a challenging but rewarding year. Our focus has always been on keeping road users safe and reducing delays.” Her comments reflect the commitment of Traffic Wales staff to adapt and respond to various challenges, from summer traffic peaks to winter storms.
In a demonstration of their achievements, the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA) hosted Mitesh Solanki, the new President of the Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation, at an event in Venue Cymru. During his visit, Mitesh praised the staff for their dedication, saying, “Thank you to everyone who helped make 2025 a success. We look forward to continuing to keep Wales moving in 2026.”
As 2025 draws to a close, the efforts of Traffic Wales and its partners remain crucial in ensuring the safety and efficiency of the region’s transport network. With the traffic volume expected to grow further, authorities are on high alert, preparing for the challenges that the new year will bring.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing situation and follow the latest news from North Wales Live for immediate alerts.
