Traffic on Lamby Way queues at temporary signals while flood defence work strengthens the road’s foundations. Cardiff Council chose a specialist piling method to avoid closing the route during construction.
Flood defence first, road protection second
The Lamby Way scheme is part of the Cardiff Coastal Protection Scheme. The work protects 1,116 homes and 72 businesses from coastal flooding and erosion along the River Rhymney and Cardiff coastline.
Without intervention, erosion would wash away the support land beneath Lamby Way, rendering the road unusable. The scheme also safeguards the Rover Way Traveller Site, key transport routes, and local utilities.
Vibration-free piling keeps traffic moving
The easiest solution would have been a full road closure. However, after consultation with businesses, freight operators and stakeholders, Cardiff Council revised the plan to maintain road access.
This required sourcing a vibration-free piling machine, which presses piles into the ground without impact. This reduces ground and structural disturbance and allows two-way traffic under temporary signals during piling.
The council employs a dedicated traffic management contractor to monitor and adjust signal timings to optimise flow and safety.
Environmental constraints limit methods
Cardiff Council considered working entirely from the water. However, protected habitats and nature reserves nearby, along with Natural Resources Wales regulations, prevented that approach.
Clear timetable for completion
Piling started on 30 September 2026 and will finish by 11 December 2026. Pile cap installation and finishing works continue through January and February 2027.
Traffic management, including temporary signals, is scheduled for removal by 26 February 2027. The wider Cardiff Coastal Protection Scheme is due for completion in August 2027.
What this means for drivers
Drivers using Lamby Way can expect delays at temporary signals until late February 2027, after which traffic will return to normal on an improved road less vulnerable to flood and erosion damage.
The council has not disclosed the overall cost of the coastal scheme or the contractors involved. It has, however, recently tendered a £7.6m environmental works framework for highway and footway improvements elsewhere in Cardiff.
The Lamby Way flood defence works demonstrate how infrastructure projects balance engineering demands, environmental regulations and community needs to keep vital roads open throughout construction.
