Delays fears as work starts on Shrewsbury roads

Work was starting on Chester Street this morning as part of the Northern Gateway enhancement scheme, designed to improve access to the town centre for motorists.

Today’s work is focused on making changes to the pavements to minimise disruption.

But from this evening a single lane closure may come into force as work takes place on the road surface.

The entire scheme, which will last until March next year but include a break from December 1 to January 7, will involve work to Chester Street, Cross Street and Castle Foregate.

Seven new pedestrian and cyclist crossing points will be put in along Chester Street, St Michael’s Street and Castle Foregate. New traffic signals will be installed and early warning signs put in for high vehicles approaching the town centre on Ellesmere Road to reduce the number of bridge strikes.

Pavements will be widened with new trees planted, while a new bus lay-by will be installed opposite the railway station to help some bus services avoid the need to use the gyratory system. New lighting will also be put in at the railway bridges .

Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for transport, said: “We are pleased that, through securing external grant funding, we are able to make a significant improvement to one of Shrewsbury’s busiest junctions.

“This is a major approach to the town and it will be a far more pleasant and safer environment, with better lighting and paving throughout, wider pavements and more safe crossings for pedestrians. Traffic flow should be better managed with more up to date traffic signals.”

Mal Price, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member responsible for strategic planning, added: “This is the first of a number of physical environmental improvements to the gateways to the town, and in these challenging times I am pleased we have been able to bring this important work forward.”