Total Nightmare: Drivers Slam 10-Week Hospital Roadworks Chaos in Bangor

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Traffic chaos has gripped Bangor as motorists face mounting frustration outside Ysbyty Gwynedd, with one driver calling the ongoing disruption a “total nightmare.” The start of a 10-week roadworks project between the Ysbyty Gwynedd roundabout and Cae Cilmelyn has led to gridlock, echoing the sentiments of many who find themselves caught in lengthy queues near the hospital.

The works, part of the Penrhos Road Active Travel Scheme, are designed to install a new cycle and pedestrian path, but this has stirred debate among locals who argue the funds would be better spent repairing potholes rather than on infrastructure they believe will see little use.

Hospital officials had already warned of “significant disruption” before the project began, and this prediction has come to fruition, particularly during peak hours, with some drivers reporting delays as long as an hour and others experiencing waits of five to fifteen minutes.

Concerns are mounting that traffic will worsen once schools resume after the Easter break, amplifying the need for extra planning for anyone with hospital appointments. On social media, one user cautioned, “Be warned anyone going to Ysbyty Gwynedd over the next 7-8 weeks, there are major works at the entrance in to the hospital with traffic lights on all the side roads. It took one of the nurses an hour and a half to get off site last night. It’s only going to get worse when the schools start back, total nightmare.”

Another parent shared, “I took my son to an appointment this morning and the traffic was all the way down from hospital to the roundabout. It will be much worse next week when the kids are back in school. People definitely need to allow a lot of extra time if they have an appointment.”

Paul Andrew, Integrated Health Community Director of Operations for the West of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, urged, “We kindly advise all patients and visitors to allow additional time when travelling to the hospital. These works are likely to cause delays, and we want to ensure everyone arrives on time for their appointments. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding during this period.”

Despite the health board’s emphasis on promoting sustainable travel, many residents remain unconvinced that the disruption and multi-million-pound investment are justified. One local commented, “It’s an absolute disgrace that they are spending money up there….cyclists don’t use the bloody pavement, they have more authority now than car owners but they don’t pay road tax or insurance. Maybe think of building a multi-storey car park for people in the hospital.”

Another resident added, “Absolutely ridiculous, what a waste of money. £4.8mil to create a cycling path which will only be used infrequently! It would be much more beneficial to carry out work on the roads instead of patching up here and there to fill the potholes.”
The strain is particularly acute for hospital staff, as one person noted, “Those people in there have already worked over 12hr shift and they are now expected to sit in their cars trying to go home for another two hours, what is this world coming too, I hate to think.”

According to the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, the construction is scheduled to run Monday to Friday with no current plans for weekend work, and traffic management measures will be in place throughout the duration, with updates available on Cyngor Gwynedd’s weekly roadworks map.

This project is part of a broader Welsh government push to increase active travel, but recent changes to cycling policy have drawn criticism from campaigners who worry such schemes could be undermined. As the debate continues, the community is left to navigate the daily reality of congestion and uncertainty over whether the long-term benefits will outweigh the immediate inconvenience.