Jones Bros completes new Flintshire active travel route

Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK is supporting healthier and more sustainable journeys in Flintshire after delivering active travel and safety improvements at two key roundabouts.

The Ruthin-based civil engineering firm upgraded facilities for pedestrians and cyclists at the nearby Ewloe and St David’s roundabouts, located off the A494 trunk road.

Backed by the Welsh Government’s Active Travel Fund and Flintshire County Council, the project was designed to enhance crossing facilities previously lacking in tactile paving and measures to protect pedestrians from oncoming traffic in an area that forms part of important school walking routes.

Jones Bros installed six toucan and four zebra crossings, while the existing walkway beneath the A494 flyover was widened and extended, allowing for improved access for those travelling on foot or by bike.

Safety has also been enhanced through the introduction of a Dutch-style roundabout, with new crossings added to the slip roads of each junction, alongside dedicated cycle lanes designed to encourage cars to slow on approach.

Jones Bros Contracts Manager Emlyn Roberts, who oversaw a team of up to 20 during the development, said: “We worked well as a team to deliver a scheme that will encourage more people to get active while making their journeys safer.

“Our experience in delivering similar infrastructure was of real value during this project, with us recently constructing a 1.25km shared pedestrian and cycle path from Pen Cob car park to Newborough in Anglesey.

“We’re pleased to have played our part in improving facilities for people in Flintshire, as we know how much of a difference this can make to their everyday lives.

“In addition, the on-site team included two higher apprentices, who were able to put theory into practice, something that will be critical in their ongoing development.”

Efforts were made to keep travel disruption to a minimum with road closures and groundworks taking place at night to ensure works were carried out as quickly and as safely as possible, with the scheme completed ahead of the summer holidays.

Adam Walker, Project and Programme Manager for the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA), said: “The completion of the Ewloe Active Travel Scheme reflects the dedication, expertise and collaborative working of everyone involved.

“Together, Welsh Government, Flintshire County Council, and Jones Bros have successfully delivered infrastructure that supports healthier, safer, and more sustainable journeys across the region, focusing on the needs of local schools, businesses, and the wider community.”

Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros owns one of the largest plant fleets in the UK and employs approximately 570 people.

The company is currently working on contracts in various sectors including highways, flood and marine defence, reservoirs, waste management, and renewable energy around the UK.

The company runs an award-winning apprenticeship scheme, which has produced a large percentage of its current workforce, with several of its senior managers having started out as apprentices or in a trainee role. It has recruited hundreds of apprentices over the years.