UPDATE: Traffic officials are urgently managing a surge in road activity on the A55, with the number of journeys skyrocketing from 198 million in 2024 to 226 million by Christmas Eve 2025, reflecting a staggering 14 percent increase. The situation has been further complicated by a ferocious lorry fire and wild deer incidents, prompting coordinated responses to keep the vital route operational.
Authorities confirm that a significant crane lorry fire in June resulted in the closure of the Conwy Tunnel for nearly two days. Emergency teams quickly mobilized, ensuring the tunnel was made safe and reopened to traffic just two days post-incident. Swift action was taken to evacuate the tunnel safely, showcasing the effectiveness of multi-agency cooperation during emergencies.
The year has been exceptionally challenging for Traffic Wales, which reported managing over 10,406 events throughout 2025. These incidents included everything from vehicle breakdowns to clearing 657 pieces of debris from the roads, such as tyres, construction materials, and even sofas. Additionally, there were 221 animal-related incidents, including encounters with wild deer, underlining the diverse challenges faced on the roads.
Despite the intense traffic load, particularly on August 1, when the A55 recorded its busiest day, Traffic Wales teams maintained an impressive average response time of just 11 minutes to incidents. Nearly half of the 5,620 events attended by traffic officers this year were breakdowns, highlighting the critical need for regular vehicle checks to prevent further issues.
Nerys Fychan, Communications Manager for Traffic Wales, reflected on the immense efforts of her team: “It’s been a challenging but rewarding year. From summer traffic peaks to winter storms, our focus has always been on keeping road users safe and reducing delays.” This dedication is evident in the work of Traffic Management Centres across North and South Wales, which utilize over 200 cameras to monitor real-time traffic conditions and coordinate responses effectively.
As 2025 draws to a close, the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA) celebrated their accomplishments by hosting the new Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) President, Mitesh Solanki, at an event in Venue Cymru. Solanki commended the staff for their unwavering dedication, stating, “Thank you to everyone who helped make 2025 a success, from our dedicated staff to our partners and road users. We look forward to continuing to keep Wales moving in 2026.”
With ongoing developments and challenges, traffic officials are poised to ensure that the A55 remains open and safe for road users as they head into the New Year. Residents and travelers are encouraged to stay updated through the Traffic Wales website and social media channels for the latest traffic news and safety tips.
