The transformation of Callaghan Square to deliver the first phase of Cardiff Crossrail will move into its next stage from 17 September.
This will require temporary changes to traffic arrangements around Callaghan Square, Bute Street and West Canal Wharf for approximately eight months.
The joint project between Cardiff Council and Transport for Wales, backed by £100 million in joint funding from the Welsh Government and the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund, is working with GRAHAM, the principal contractor to deliver the first phase of Cardiff Crossrail.
The scheme will deliver a new tram-train route linking Cardiff Central Railway Station with Cardiff Bay and form a major step towards a wider Cardiff Crossrail network that will eventually connect Plasdŵr in the north-west of the city with Cardiff Parkway station in the east.
As part of the next building phase of the project, significant changes will be introduced to traffic movements in the area to allow major utility diversions to take place safely beneath the carriageway, including the relocation of a high-pressure gas main, telecommunications infrastructure and water mains.
To facilitate the next phase of construction, the following temporary traffic arrangements will be introduced from 20 September:
Bute Street / Callaghan Square
Bute Street (from Butetown at its junction with Callaghan Square) will be open for northbound traffic
Traffic travelling north towards Herbert Street/Tyndall Street will be required to turn left. This will allow traffic to travel westbound or make use of Callaghan Square to travel northbound or eastbound, via the roundabout.
- There will be no southbound access onto Bute Street from the Callaghan Square junction
- Streets located south of Callaghan Square off Bute Street will only be accessible from the south – Diversion routes are Lloyd George Avenue and Dumballs Road.
These changes are required to create a secure, traffic-free work area that protects both the public and construction staff while major utility works are undertaken.
Cllr Dan De'Ath, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning and Transport, said:
“Cardiff Crossrail is one of the most important transport projects currently being delivered in the city and will help create a greener, more sustainable and better-connected Cardiff.
“The work taking place beneath Callaghan Square is highly complex and involves the diversion of critical utilities that serve businesses and residents across the city. These works are essential before the tram infrastructure can be installed.
“We appreciate that the changes to traffic arrangements will cause some disruption and would like to thank residents, businesses and motorists for their continued patience while this vital project progresses.”
Over the next two years, further phases of traffic management will be required as construction continues. This will include additional closures on sections of Bute Street and further changes to traffic routing around Callaghan Square. Advance notice will be provided ahead of each phase of work.
Variable Message Signs and additional roadside signage are in place to inform motorists of the changes. Drivers are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and consider alternative routes where possible.
A public drop-in session will be held on 17 September between 4pm and 7pm at the CCHA Culture and Media Centre, Loudoun Square, Cardiff, where residents and local businesses will be able to speak directly with representatives from the project team and the contractor GRAHAM.
