**Motorists in Cardiff Braced for Prolonged Delays as Major Culvert Replacement Gets Underway**
Motorists travelling through Cardiff are being advised to anticipate significant disruption as Cardiff Council embarks on a vital infrastructure project this week. The work involves replacing a decades-old culvert beneath St Fagans Road—maintenance described as essential to safeguard the area against flooding and ensure the long-term integrity of the route.
Beginning on Wednesday, June 11, lane restrictions will be introduced on St Fagans Road, specifically between Cartwright Lane and Fairwater Road. This initial phase is expected to last five weeks to facilitate the complex diversion of utilities while the preparatory groundwork for the culvert’s replacement is carried out. This measure is part of a broader plan to modernise the stormwater drainage system in the Fairwater area, addressing long-standing concerns about the resilience of Cardiff’s water management infrastructure.
Upon completion of the utility diversions, the works will escalate in scope. From Friday, July 25 until Tuesday, September 2, St Fagans Road will be fully closed at its junction with Cartwright Lane. The closure period, set during the school summer holidays, has been deliberately chosen to help minimise the impact on daily traffic volumes, according to council officials.
Councillor Norma Mackie, Cabinet Member for Waste, Street Scene and Environmental Services, emphasised the necessity of these works, stating: “This is an important operation to guarantee the continued safe channelling of stream water beneath the road. The age of the current culvert poses a clear risk of failure, which could lead to severe flooding and disruption.” She also underlined the council’s efforts to devise alternative routes and reduce delays, particularly for those reliant on public transport, adding, “We have liaised with bus providers to keep their services running as effectively as possible, and diversionary routes will be clearly marked for those affected.”
Residents have already received formal notification detailing the scheme, with alternative routes signposted via Cartwright Lane, Bwlch Road, Norbury Road, and Doyle Avenue. Those who do not live in the immediate area are encouraged to use major arteries such as the A48, Cowbridge Road West, and Llantrisant Road to circumvent the roadworks.
The need for this replacement has been amplified by historic concerns over flooding and blocked culverts in western Cardiff. Locals in areas like Pentyrch and St Fagans have voiced frustrations, citing years of inadequate waterway maintenance. Recurring issues have left some residents grappling with the aftermath of repeated flooding, with one commenting last year that their driveway had “suffered extensive damage” as a result. These experiences underscore the importance of the upcoming works, not only for ongoing road safety but for broader flood prevention efforts.
Cardiff Council has faced criticism in the past regarding the timely repair and maintenance of local waterways. In response to these criticisms, a spokesperson for the council explained that the scale and cost of such works present formidable challenges. “It’s not as easy as simply adding an extra drain—this type of project is particularly resource-intensive,” they said. The council has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the city’s network of around 80,000 gullies, prioritising regions most vulnerable to heavy rainfall and flooding.
Despite the scale of the impending disruptions, the council is calling on local residents for patience and understanding, recognising the unavoidable inconveniences caused by road closures of this magnitude. Councillor Mackie has publicly thanked the community in advance for their cooperation throughout the project’s duration.
This scheme also reflects a broader push within Cardiff Council to fortify the city’s drainage and transport infrastructure amid increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. While commutes may be impacted during the works, the council hopes these measures will deliver long-term resilience and reassurance for residents and road users alike.
Updates on the scheme’s progress, alongside information about traffic diversions, will continue to be provided through the council’s official channels. Motorists and bus users are encouraged to plan their journeys well in advance and follow signage to help ease congestion around the affected area.