Major Crashes Paralyze A55 In North Wales This Week

Travelers along North Wales’ vital A55 route faced back-to-back chaos this week as two major crashes—one near the Conwy Tunnel and another by Ewloe—brought traffic to a grinding halt, left several people injured, and triggered one of the region’s largest emergency responses in recent memory. The incidents, which unfolded on consecutive days, underscored the fragility of transport arteries in rural areas and the extraordinary efforts of emergency crews under pressure.

The first of these dramatic events unfolded on the evening of January 28, 2026. At approximately 4:45 PM, a five-vehicle pile-up occurred on the eastbound carriageway near Junction 34 (Ewloe Loop) in Flintshire. According to North Wales Police, the crash left "several occupants" injured, with one individual requiring urgent transfer to the Royal University Stoke Hospital, a specialist trauma center. The force explained, "We were alerted at 4.45pm yesterday afternoon (Wednesday) to a multiple vehicle RTC on the A55 Eastbound, near J34 (Ewloe Loop). Officers attended alongside colleagues from WAST, and the road was closed. In total, five vehicles were involved and several occupants of those vehicles were injured, including one person who was transported to hospital in Stoke. The road reopened at 8.16pm."

Emergency services—North Wales Police, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and the Welsh Ambulance Service—responded swiftly, closing the eastbound lanes to manage the scene and facilitate recovery work. The closure, which lasted more than three hours, caused gridlock stretching several miles toward the Northop turnoff at Junction 33, and police urged motorists to avoid the area. By the following morning, traffic had returned to normal, but the disruption had left its mark on commuters and local residents alike.

Hardly had the dust settled when, less than 24 hours later, calamity struck again—this time near the Conwy Tunnel, a crucial passageway for North Wales traffic. Shortly before midday on January 29, a serious multi-vehicle collision closed the A55 in both directions. The incident occurred between the Penmaenmawr Tunnel and the Conwy Tunnel, prompting authorities to also shut the A547 Bangor Road to allow emergency helicopters to land and to provide clear access for rescue teams.

The response was nothing short of massive. According to the Welsh Ambulance Service, "We were called at approximately 11.59am to reports of a road traffic collision on the A55. We sent four Emergency Ambulances and two Cymru High Acuity Response Units to the scene. Further support was offered by four off-duty paramedics. Advanced critical care support was delivered by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service in three Wales Air Ambulance charity helicopters. Three patients were transferred to hospital for further treatment." North Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed its teams were also on site, working alongside police and ambulance staff.

Adding to the complexity, four air ambulances landed at the scene—an unusual sight that spoke to the gravity of the crash. One of these helicopters later departed for Aintree Hospital in Liverpool, while another was spotted heading to Broughton and a third returned to its base in Welshpool. Two air ambulances remained on standby as the situation evolved. The presence of so many helicopters underscored the severity of the injuries and the need for rapid, advanced medical care.

North Wales Police issued a series of urgent advisories as the situation developed. A spokesperson announced, "Emergency services are currently in attendance to a serious road traffic collision on the A55 in Conwy. The road has been closed in both directions between the Penmaenmawr Tunnel and the Conwy Tunnel and is expected to be closed for some time. Diversions are in place and motorists are being urged to avoid the area. We will provide further information in due course."

Traffic Wales, responsible for monitoring and managing regional highways, echoed these warnings. Its statement read, "A55 Conwy Tunnel - Closed in both directions due to a serious collision. Please avoid the area at this time." The closure triggered severe congestion, with tailbacks reaching Junction 20 (Colwyn Bay) and surrounding routes around Llandudno Junction heavily burdened as drivers sought alternatives. Diversion routes stretched for miles, forcing travelers through Betws-y-Coed and other rural detours.

By mid-afternoon, some relief arrived. The eastbound carriageway partially reopened, though only one lane was available and traffic was required to exit at Junction 17 Conwy Morfa before rejoining. The westbound carriageway, however, remained closed between J17 and the Black Cat roundabout at J19 as collision investigators worked at the scene. As of 2:45 PM, the Conwy Tunnel was still closed, with clean-up and investigation efforts ongoing. A later update from Traffic Wales explained, "A55 Westbound Conwy Tunnel - Now open with a lane 2 closure in place. Please then exit at J17 Conwy Morfa and rejoin carriageway J17 on slip Conwy Morfa to proceed along the A55. Thank you for your patience."

Throughout the ordeal, local leaders and officials called for understanding. Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Senedd for Aberconwy, expressed her gratitude and sympathy: "Have just received a communication from North Wales Police in relation to the shocking RTC in the Conwy Tunnel and the continuing gridlock and delays along the A55 and other areas. All relevant emergency services and external agencies are present and currently working hard during some extremely difficult circumstances. If drivers could please just have some patience and understanding, during what is such a difficult time for all involved and look out for updates from North Wales Police. My thoughts and prayers are with those involved with this tragic accident. My grateful thanks go to all the rescue services to include, NWP, Conwy County Borough Council officers and Welsh Government officials. God Bless you all."

For many in North Wales, the back-to-back incidents were a stark reminder of how quickly vital transport links can be disrupted—and how dependent rural communities remain on rapid emergency response. The scale of the operation, from the number of ambulances and helicopters to the coordinated work of police, fire, and medical teams, drew praise from local leaders and the public alike. As the traffic finally began to flow again and the injured received care, the region reflected on the resilience and dedication of those who keep its roads—and its people—safe.