Six Nations: Wales v Scotland travel warning as thousands expected

People travelling around south Wales are warned to leave plenty of time as tens of thousands are expected in Cardiff for Wales' Six Nations opener.

Passengers have been warned trains are "expected to be very busy" and heavy traffic is expected on the M4 motorway ahead of Wales' game with Scotland.

Rugby fans using Avanti West Coast trains from Scotland and north Wales via Crewe could be affected by strikes.

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.

Rugby World Cup quarter-finalists Wales host Scotland at the Principality Stadium in front of a sell-out 74,000 crowd at 16:45 GMT with most roads in central Cardiff shut on Saturday

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.

.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.

Bus services into and out of Cardiff city centre will be diverted while the road closures are in place.

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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.

The game will also be available to listen to on BBC Sounds, BBC 5Live, BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Scotland.

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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".

But 24 hours later, Saturday's visitors changed their minds and the roof will now be closed.

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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."