ROADWORKS on a Haverfordwest roundabout already causing delays are set to continue for 26 weeks.

Work started today (Monday, August 4) on upgrading the Churnworks roundabout – known as Blands roundabout – as part of the first stage of a major regeneration plan for the county town.

Pembrokeshire County Council has apologised in advance for any delays the essential work may cause.

The work is designed to aid the proposed Sainsbury’s supermarket and residential development at Slade Lane by improving the road’s capacity as well as enhancing pedestrian and cycling routes.

The five-armed roundabout will be removed and replaced by traffic light controlled junctions designed to aid traffic flow.

The work is expected to last 26 weeks and throughout this time traffic will be

managed for the safety of the workforce a council spokesman said.

The roundabout is the main route to St Davids and other coastal villages popular with tourists and there has been some criticism of the timing of the work during the high summer season.

Haverfordwest resident Barbara Shone said: “As everyone presumably knows, from the start of August would seem to be the height of tourist season around not only Pembrokeshire, and the rest of the UK, but especially in the county town of Haverfordwest.

Apparently, though, the fact seems to be lost to the local authority and they remain unaware of this, as road signs can now be seen informing the public that this particular type of traffic chaos is now seemingly imminent from August 4.

“Could somebody from the Highways Department in County Hall, please advise as to the wisdom of selecting this particular month as being advisable for major works to commence at the Churnworks Roundabout, in Haverfordwest.”

Councillor Rob Lewis Cabinet Member for transportation apologised in advance for any delays the work could cause.

“This work is essential because of the anticipated rise in traffic, which will be generated by major investment in the town,” he said.

“I would ask people to be patient and, if possible, either reroute their journeys or allow extra journey time in case of delays.”