ROADWORKS to install free Wi-Fi zones in council facilities in Newport caused major traffic delays in the city earlier today.

Tailbacks of close to a mile were reported on Risca Road into Newport at rush hour this morning. The queue went back to the roundabout by Stow Park Tennis Club with a long tailback inbound on Bassaleg Road.

The roadworks, which involve the laying of broadband cables underground, are taking place outside St Woolos Hospital.

Temporary traffic lights have been put in place in addition to existing traffic lights at Stow Hill, and some drivers reported taking 40 minutes to drive just one and a half miles across Newport.

The work is being carried out by Concept Solutions People as part of the city’s Super Connected City programme.

It is expected to be completed by Tuesday, May 26, at the latest and a number of measures are to be put in place to ensure such delays do not happen again.

Steve Ives, director of Concept Solutions People, said: “Our site agent has advised that unfortunately the problem has been caused by motorists ignoring the temporary lights.

“As a result, this causes problems with the operating sequence as the lights use a vehicle recognition sensor.

“When the lights sense vehicles encroaching into its safety zone this causes both the sensors to turn red.

“To avoid this happening in future, the lights are going to be manually controlled at peak times to eliminate this problem.

“We are also arranging to have a nearby set of permanent lights suspended as we approach them. This should also alleviate the situation.”

A spokesman for Newport City Council added: “Although work is expected to be completed by the beginning of next week, it is hoped that that the work could be completed as early as Saturday.

“There will be some short-term delays for commuters which may continue over the next few days, but this work will secure the longer term economic benefits for the city and for Newport’s residents.”