The Assembly awarded a �1.5m contract for the strengthening work

Major roadworks on one of the country's busiest roads are behind schedule, prompting fears that the north Wales' tourism trade could be hit.

Repairs to the A55 at Penmaenbach near Conwy were due to be finished in time for the start of the holiday season but could now take until June to complete.

Drivers have faced lane closures and contra flows since essential strengthening work was ordered after a survey was carried out in the wake of the 2001 Selby train crash in England.

It is now believed the work will not be completed until June.

Investigators found the walls where the road crosses the main Chester to Holyhead railway line were not strong enough to prevent traffic crashing on to the railway line below in the event of an accident.

'Disappointed and frustrated'

Assembly Transport Minister, Andrew Davies, said problems with the ground mean the work has fallen significantly behind schedule.

"It is very much regretted that this is the case but safety of passengers, safety of road and rail users has to be the bottom line."

Mr Davies could not confirm how long the work would take but is believed it could be as long as June.

But the news has worried tourism managers, who fear that as traffic increases at the start of the summer, so would the delays.

Dewi Davies, director of the Tourism Partnership North Wales, said the delay coincides with three bank holidays over the summer.

"We are disappointed and frustrated and the customer is not going to be happy when he comes here."

Mr Davies said that although "safety is a critical concern" he urged that the work be completed "as soon as possible to soften the impact as best as possible."