September 20, 2012
Wales

Convoy brings huge hold-ups

South Wales Guardian | www.southwalesguardian.co.uk 19 September 2012

Traffic in the Swansea and Amman valleys ground to a halt as huge lorries carried wind turbines towards the Mynydd y Betws windfarm last week.

The vehicles, up to 50m long and weighing 150 tonnes, travelled from Swansea docks through Pontardawe and along the Amman Valley.

One motorist caught up in the jam claimed: “It was sheer chaos downin Ponty.”

Road users are being advised to keep up to date with the latest information, including following the convoy’s own Twitter account to reduce any disruption to their travel plans.

The convoys are expected to last eight weeks.

A windfarm spokesman said: “The operation finish date is currently October 31, although this may be subject to change due to bad weather or other unforseen delays.

“We have tried to minimise disruption while passing through Pontardawe and the area near the site entrance on the outskirts of Cwmgors. Residents in the area will receive a flyer outlining the route locally and details outlining how to get more information.

“Deliveries will avoid peak traffic hours and arrive on site during midmorning and early afternoon.

The components will be transported under police escort and travel to the site on weekdays only.

“The blade sections will be travelling from Swansea docks, while tower sections and turbines will come from the east via the M4.

“The latest information will also be available via Twitter and a dedicated hotline – 0845 262 6229.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/09/20/convoy-brings-huge-hold-ups/