More misery for motorists as M54 roadworks overrun by another month

It is the second time the work has been put back, with weather and road conditions used as an excuse for the delay.

The work was originally meant to finish in April but Highways England said the condition of the road was worse than expected.

The credibility of Highways England (and before that the Highways Agency) in Shropshire has been eroded considerably during two protracted and unhappy years of major works.

Schemes to improve the M54 and A5 have continually over-run. Reasons for delays have been weak and elicited little in the way of sympathy from motorists, who have paid the price for poorly managed projects.

Four major schemes have been carried out on the M54 and A5 in recent times and they have been beset with problems. It has become normal for roadworks to be delayed, for motorists to crawl along the M54 at 40mph and for businesses and motorists to experience delays that are out of their control.

A new finishing date was given of June 13 – but that has now been put back again to mid-July.

Highways England again say weather and road conditions have caused problems to work to resurface and replace barriers.

The work, which started in November, has brought speed restrictions and night-time closures between junction three at Albrighton and junction five at Telford.

The speed limit westbound is 40mph and 50mph eastbound, and closures are placed on section of the road between 9pm and 6am.

Alistair Harris of Highways England today apologised for the delay but said the work was essential, making the road surface smoother, improving drainage and improving the safety of central reservations.

He said: "The work will finish a bit later than expected, with delays mainly due to poor recent weather - heavy rain prevents concrete from setting properly - and unforeseen ground conditions, which have affected our work programme.

"We are working hard to finish this scheme as soon as we can. This scheme will improve journeys for drivers, with a new road surface which will improve safety and greatly reduce the noise of traffic.

Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, Kuldip Sahota, said the delays are an inconvenience for motorists but admits the work does need to be done.

"I travel along the M54 to get onto the A41 everyday, and I find that I do have to leave around 10 minutes early due to the 40mph limit.

"It is inconvenient that the work is going to carry on for an extra month, but I do agree that the work has to be done.

"However I do hope it's over soon so the motorway can start running normally again."