Repairs to the A55 at Penmaenbach near Conwy began earlier this year but were abandoned for the summer months with the tourist season in mind.

For the past 18 months, traffic has been down to just one lane eastbound.

Essential strengthening works were ordered when a survey was carried out in the wake of the Selby Train Crash.

Investigators found that the walls which kept traffic off the main Chester to Holyhead railway line were not strong enough to prevent traffic crashing on to the railway line below if there was an accident.

A further inspection discovered that some bridge girders - where the road crosses the railway - needed replacing

Work to be carried out Removal and replacement of existing bridge decks Construction of parapets next to railway Upgrading paths and cycle routes Rockfall protection measures Headland road tunnel repairs Traffic management measures Street light upgrading fact here Power cable diversions Assembly fibreoptic diversions

A special bilingual website www.penmaenbach.com has been set up to keep the public informed of progress, and a photo gallery is also a key part of the site.

The work will eventually bring an end to traffic chaos which has plagued thousands of commuters.

But officials have warned that the work may take until Easter 2004 before both carriageways are reopened.

The Welsh Assembly Government has awarded a �1.5m contract for the strengthening work.

While work is continuing, drivers face a contraflow with only one lane of traffic in both directions.

In February, it was revealed the Welsh assembly was to carry out a study of the A55, which includes considering the possibility of building of a second tunnel for the Penmaenbach stretch of the coastal route.

Traffic management

The project involving the headland road and other sections of the dual carriageway was revealed in a letter written by the then Welsh Environment Minister, Sue Essex.

While work is being carried out, some specific traffic management measures have been imposed.

These include the introduction of a 40 mph speed limit, traffic calming signs, extra CCTV cameras, and speed enforcement by North Wales Police.

In addition, more emergency telephones have been installed in the westbound tunnel, wide loads are being diverted, and free breakdown recovery is being provided.