A SERIES of traffic measures have been announced as the construction of a key section of the highly anticipated new bus station looks set to get underway.

Cardiff Council announced that Saunders Road in the capital will be closed from its junction with Penarth Road on September 19 as work begins on building the southern entrance of the new transport interchange at Central Square.

The taxi rank outside Cardiff Central train station on Saunders Road will be temporarily relocated by Transport for Wales (TfW) to Penarth Road.

“The rank is on private land not controlled or operated by the council,” said Cardiff Council’s cabinet member for strategic planning and transport, Cllr Daniel De’Ath, on the impending temporary closure of the taxi rank.

“But I have written to Lee Waters, the Welsh Government Minister responsible for Transport for Wales, stating it would be beneficial to Cardiff that once the works on Saunders Road are completed – and until such time that the future redevelopment of the train station is agreed – that taxis remain in the current location on Central Square.

“But that is a decision for Network Rail and TfW.”

The section of Penarth Road between Saunders Road and West Canal Wharf, opposite the station car park, will be restricted to southbound traffic only, with the northbound bus stop removed and a loading bay installed opposite the Clayton Hotel.

Work will continue for about six months, the council has said.

It is expected that the transport interchange, which will include a new 14-bay bus station, will be completed by spring or summer next year. Cardiff has lacked a dedicated bus station since 2015.

The transport interchange will be operated by TfW.