Wales’ Six Nations rugby match against Scotland in Cardiff is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors causing disruptions and delays in transportation. Transport for Wales (TfW) has warned passengers to prepare for heavy traffic and train delays, encouraging them to “allow plenty of time” for their journey. However, TfW has assured that additional capacity will be provided to deal with the large volume of people expected in the city. Wales will host the match against Scotland at the Principality Stadium on Saturday in front of a maximum 74,000-person strong crowd.
The direct roads outside the stadium, Scott Road and Park Street, will be closed from 07:00 due to the “need to protect queuing fans” ahead of stadium gates opening at 14:30. The other city centre road closures will be between 12:45 and 20:45, and will include parts of Kingsway, Cowbridge Road East, Tudor Street, Plantagenet Street, and Beauchamp Street. Cardiff council has advised drivers to use the park and ride at the former Toys R Us car park in the Cardiff Bay Sports Village to avoid congestion. Part of the A465 Heads of the Valleys Road at Merthyr Tydfil is closed for the entire weekend between Cefn Coed & Dowlais Top.
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.” The Valleys line between Pontypridd and Treherbert will remain closed due to South Wales Metro infrastructure upgrades. TfW says they will provide “additional capacity where possible” on routes in and out of Cardiff but warned of anticipated busy services and long journeys.
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.” Despite being a “grey, damp, breezy” day with temperatures at 11C, Wales international Adam Beard said it was “massive” for the home side 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.” The game will be broadcast live on BBC One and the BBC iPlayer and available to listen on BBC Sounds, BBC 5Live, BBC Radio Wales, and BBC Radio Scotland
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More