#Nations #Wales #Scotland #travel #warning #thousands #expected
- By Peter Shuttleworth
- BBC News
2 February 2024
Updated 2 hours ago
Image source, Traffic Wales
Image caption,
Heavy traffic is backing up on the westbound M4 in Newport
People travelling around south Wales have been warned of delays as tens of thousands descend on Cardiff for Wales’ Six Nations opener against Scotland.
Trains were expected to be busy and heavy traffic caused 30-minute delays on the westbound M4 at the Brynglas tunnels at Newport in the afternoon.
Transport for Wales (TfW) said it would provide extra capacity.
But rail operators have told passengers to “allow plenty of time” for their journey with trains expected to be very busy.
Which roads will be closed in Cardiff?
The roads directly outside the Principality Stadium – Scott Road and Park Street – will be closed from 07:00 because of the “need to protect queuing fans” ahead of stadium gates opening at 14:30.
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Tens of thousands of rugby fans are expected in Cardiff on Saturday for Wales’ opening Six Nations rugby game
The other city centre road closures will be between 12:45 and 20:45 and include parts of Kingsway, Cowbridge Road East, Tudor Street, Plantagenet Street and Beauchamp Street.
Cardiff council has advised drivers to avoid congestion by using the park and ride at the former Toys R Us car park in the Cardiff Bay Sports Village.
Part of the A465 Heads of the Valleys Road at Merthyr Tydfil is closed for the whole weekend between Cefn Coed & Dowlais Top.
What about trains?
Supporters going to Cardiff by train from north Wales and Scotland via Crewe may be impacted by strike action on Avanti West Coast services and are advised to “make alternative arrangements”.
Great Western Rail (GWR) has asked passengers to check before they travel as industrial action may impact their services as well.
Action by the train drivers’ union, Aslef, may lead to some short-notice alterations or cancellations before and after the match.
GWR trains between Cardiff and England’s West Country will also be impacted by engineering works between Bristol and Weston-super-Mare, with rail replacement buses in operation.
The Valleys line between Pontypridd and Treherbert will remain shut as part of ongoing South Wales Metro infrastructure upgrades, but TfW said it would provide “additional capacity where possible” on routes in and out of Cardiff.
“Services are expected to be very busy so please allow plenty of time for your journey,” a TfW spokesperson said.
Where can I watch Wales v Scotland?
The Wales v Scotland game kicks-off at 16:45 and will be broadcast live on BBC One and the BBC iPlayer.
The coverage, which will be presented by Gabby Logan, starts at 16:00.
Will the Principality Stadium roof be open?
According to Six Nations regulations, both sides have to agree on whether the roof remains open or closed.
Scotland initially asked for the roof to be left open, in a decision which Wales coach Warren Gatland called “disappointing”.
BBC weatherman and meteorologist Derek Brockway said Saturday afternoon was likely to be “grey, damp and breezy” around 11C.
Wales international Adam Beard said it was “massive” for the hosts to play with the roof closed.
“The buzz, noise, everything about it is unbelievable,” said Beard.
“That feeling is something you can’t explain, of passion and pride from the crowd that you get. It’s like having an extra man out there.”
