Crash closed diversion short cut

Just hours after we reported yesterday that motorists were ignoring the long diversion caused by the closed Spring Bank, Golfa A458 road works, a crash closed the short cut being extensively used.

Recovery vehicles were required to clear the road between Guilsfield and Cyfronydd after a van appeared to get stuck in a ditch alongside the narrow B road which is now “totally gridlocked” at times since the main ‘Llanfair road’ was shut on Monday.

There were reported injuries.

The problems appear to be created by motorists using local knowledge or those using SatNav to avoid the 15-mile main road detour that goes via Meifod.

Last night, Welshpool county councillor, Graham Breeze, pleaded with motorists to follow the official diversion route after saying he had “received lots of complaints from residents living on alternative routes”.

“It appears many are ignoring the diversion routes and using roads which are unsuitable for so much traffic,” said Cllr Breeze.

“Officers from North & Mid Wales Trunk Agency and Powys County Council are monitoring the situation daily and will hold a review meeting later this week.”

The long awaited work on the road is expected to take three months to complete following more than two years of temporary traffic lights in place.