Shrewsbury A5 roadworks misery is coming to an end

Officials at the Highways Agency have pledged the £8.4 million project will be finished ahead of the Christmas rush following months of disruption.

Finishing touches will be made during January and February, but the two islands will be fully operational by December 21.

The work at the two islands started in June and has caused delays of up to 30 minutes for motorists during rush hour due to lane closures and speed restrictions. The project was named at number eight in Britain's top 10 worst congestion blackspots caused by roadworks by traffic information provider Inrix.

The news has been welcomed by businessman Tony Bywater, who had complained that customers have been avoiding that area of the town while the works have been going on and that it had definitely affected business. Joe Wilson, spokesman for the Highways Agency, said: "We are aiming for the traffic measures and the scheme to be operational by the Christmas period.

"The aim is to have the traffic measures currently in place removed by December 19 with a view to having it all completed by December 21 before the Christmas rush.

"There are still some bits of work to be done which will be done in January and February. We appreciate this has been busy and an inconvenience but we hope this will make things better going forward."

Mr Bywater, chairman of Salop Leisure, said: "It is very good news.

"The roadworks have obviously been very disruptive for our business and others around us, but we have not whinged or complained about it because we recognise it has to be done."

Work at Preston Boats junction will retain the roundabout but include "smart" traffic lights on all approaches.

New wider approaches are being finished off at Emstrey island which will have three lanes when it fully reopens. The traffic lights remain covered up now, but will be in operation before Christmas according to the Highways Agency.

It comes after months of disruption for motorists while the work has been carried out, including several overnight road and island closures.

Preston Boats will have a smaller roundabout with new filter lanes added and traffic lights brought in. Despite the work nearing completion, calls have been made for artwork to be brought in to make the islands look more presentable.

Salop Leisure chairman Tony Bywater, whose business is located close to where the works have been taking place, said the appearance of the islands needs to be better. He said: "The trees on there look ridiculous now the island has been made smaller," he said.

"I would like to see them removed, and a glass dome or another piece of art put on there. The islands are on the main gateway to Shrewsbury."

The work on Emstrey island is costing £4.6 million and Preston Boats £3.8 million.

Officials at the Highways Agency said the project, which started in June, were necessary to ease congestion on a major route linking Shropshire and traffic from North Wales to the West Midlands and the main motorway network.