A significant incident unfolded on the A55 on Thursday afternoon when a lorry caught fire inside the Conwy Tunnel. Emergency services quickly declared the event a significant incident, resulting in immediate closures of the A55 in both directions. The blaze filled the tunnel with thick smoke, forcing drivers to halt and causing widespread disruption. Authorities urged local residents to keep windows and doors closed as a safety precaution due to the smoke drifting over nearby areas.
Eyewitnesses described the sudden stop in traffic and the urgency to escape the tunnel. One driver, Eira D’Arcy, recounted seeing flames flickering beneath the stationary lorry and heavy white smoke filling the tunnel. She and her husband drove through the smoke, fearing an explosion, and felt immense relief after exiting safely. The lorry driver was seen evacuating and calling emergency services, and no other vehicles were reported to be involved in the fire.
Traffic Disruption and Diversions
The A55 closures led to severe congestion on key routes across North Wales. Diversions were set up, but roads in and around Colwyn Bay, Llandudno Junction, and Conwy became heavily congested as drivers sought alternative paths. Traffic cameras captured long tailbacks, with delays extending to junction 20 at Colwyn Bay shortly after the incident occurred.
Arriva Buses Wales announced that all five of its services would terminate at Dwygyfylchi. With no access to Deganwy, Conwy, or Llandudno until further notice. The closure affected thousands of daily commuters and holidaymakers, as the A55 is a vital route carrying around 40,000 vehicles each day.
Safety Checks and Tunnel Status
After firefighters brought the blaze under control, attention shifted to safety checks and structural assessments. Emergency services, including North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, collaborated with other agencies to manage the aftermath. The tunnel remained closed for an extended period while experts conducted detailed inspections to determine the extent of any damage and to ensure the tunnel could safely reopen.
Traffic Wales and North Wales Police advised motorists to avoid the area and use strategic diversion routes. Residents living nearby were reminded to keep windows and doors shut as a precaution. The public was urged to remain patient and check for the latest travel updates before setting out on their journeys.
Timeline for Reopening and Ongoing Disruption
The A55 closures persisted through Thursday and into the early hours of Friday. By Friday morning, Traffic Wales North and Mid confirmed that the Conwy Tunnel had reopened under a contraflow system. A 3.2-meter width limit was put in place. Allowing traffic to use the eastbound tunnel while repairs and further inspections continued on the westbound side.
Despite the partial reopening, significant disruption was expected to last for several days. Motorists were advised to allow extra time for their journeys and to continue monitoring official updates from Traffic Wales and emergency services. The incident highlighted the vulnerability of major infrastructure routes to unexpected events and the importance of coordinated emergency responses.
Community Response and Lessons Learned
The A55 closures following the Conwy Tunnel fire demonstrated the resilience and cooperation of emergency services, local authorities, and the public. The swift evacuation and lack of fatalities underscored the effectiveness of safety protocols in place for such incidents. Residents and businesses faced inconvenience, but the priority remained public safety and the swift restoration of normal traffic flow.
As the situation stabilises, authorities continue to assess the tunnel’s condition and work towards a full reopening. The event serves as a reminder for all motorists to stay informed about travel conditions and to follow safety advice during major incidents. The A55 closures have also prompted discussions about infrastructure resilience and emergency preparedness in North Wales.