IT is very much business as usual!
That is the message from traders in Swansea, as major works on the city's road network is carried out
For weeks, workers have been widening pavements on the southern side of Oystermouth Road, bordering the LC, and making improvements to the road's junction with Princess Wales.
And early next month, they will cross to the other side, and being work to widen the pavement on the northern side of Oystermouth Road, between Princess Way and The Strand.
The aim of the European boulevard project is to create a wider, tree-lined pavement for pedestrians.
While work continues, traders and attractions in the area of the ongoing works, including York Street, will remain open for business throughout.
Among the traders in the area who are being affected by the work is former Wales and British Lions rugby player Colin Charvis, who runs Colin Charvis Flooring on York Street.
He said: "We want people to know that our doors are still open for business, and we are still trading despite all this work going on around us. It is definitely business as usual".
Other parts of the latest phase include the reshaping of the traffic island adjacent to St David's Car Park, and the removal of the mini-roundabout by the New York pub on Princess Way. Works requiring a lane closure will be undertaken in the evening to minimise the impact on traffic flows.
Swansea Council's cabinet member for regeneration Nick Bradley said: "We've ensured that narrow lanes are in place at all times during peak hours on both sides of the road to help keep traffic moving. This is vitally important because we don't want the scheme to impact upon commuters, delivery vehicles and other motorists heading in and out of the city centre during the busiest times of the day.
"But there are several traders and attractions located in the Maritime Quarter, Princess Way and York Street area too, so I'd urge people to remember that they're very much open for business while works are ongoing. We're doing what we can to minimise disruption."
The boulevard project aims to generate better links between the city centre and the waterfront. The first phase of works, due for completion by the end of November, will stretch from Princess Way to The Strand before a second phase follows next year from The Strand to the River Bridges.
The scheme includes planting of more than 80 trees and improved pedestrian crossings at junctions along the route.
www.swanseacitycentre.com/ boulevard
