Highways bosses have vowed a £1.4 million improvement scheme will make a road in Shrewsbury safer, as they pledged to keep disruption to a minimum during the five-month works.

Work on the scheme at Harlescott Crossroads will begin on April 12 and run until August 27. Council transport officials have previously unveiled plans for the new measures on the road where 14-year-old Ben Somers lost his life in October 2008.

The Harlescott Crossroads work will include resurfacing around the area, improvements to the left slip road, from Whitchurch Road to Harlescott Lane, and improved pedestrian facilities including a new crossing.

It will also include other improvements, including seeing Harlescott Lane resurfaced, cycling and other pedestrian facilities, and improvements to the Brixton Way roundabout.

In an update on planned roadworks, Shropshire Council said: “After major commercial development in this area over the last few years, it is hoped these works will improve and update the whole crossroads and create a safer and better environment at a main gateway into Shrewsbury.

“The council appreciates the volume of traffic that passes through these crossroads and will ensure that wherever possible any work which involves road or lane closures will take place at night or out of traffic sensitive hours.

“The roadworks co-ordination team will also aim to keep other arterial routes into the town free of works for the duration.

“The left turn lane from Whitchurch Road onto Harlescott Lane will be closed for the duration of the works and a local signed diversion route will be available via Battlefield Road, the A5124 Battlefield Link Road & Battlefield Way.”

The authority has previously urged people to start planning alternative routes now because there are expected to be delays.

By John Kirk