Roadworks planned for Shrewsbury town gateway
A new masterplan to slow down traffic and improve safety at one of the busiest entrances to Shrewsbury town centre has been unveiled.
Work on the St Julian's Friars and Wyle Cop Enhancement Scheme will include bringing in two raised sections of road at the junction of Wyle Cop and Beeches Lane, while other ideas are introducing a 20mph speed limit and bringing in loading bays and no waiting areas.
It is hoped that the changes will reduce the risk of accidents near the junction and improve the area for pedestrians and delivery drivers.
Work could start as early as June 2 and last for six weeks. Any road closures will take place place overnight and on Sundays.
The matter is to be discussed at the next meeting of Shrewsbury Town Council's planning committee on May 20 before public consultation ends on May 29.
The work follows the recent redevelopment of the St Julian's Friars area and following consultation with local residents, councillors, businesses and stakeholders.
The proposed introduction of the 20mph speed limit would be on Williams Way, St Julian's Crescent and Wyle Cop and English Bridge from the point close to the Wyle Cop car park to the junction with Coleham Head.
Two speed humps, one measuring 11ms long and one measuring 16m long, would be installed near to the junction of Wyle Cop, Beeches Lane and St Julian's Friars.
No-waiting areas would also be introduced on the north and south side of Wyle Cop and along both sides of Beeches Lane and a loading bay installed on Wyle Cop.
Councillor Claire Wild, Shropshire Council's cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "We did a letter drop and talked to affected residents and businesses yesterday and have also liaised with Shrewsbury Town Council and various local business organisations who have put it on their webpages.
"The traffic management has been given careful consideration and we will obviously do our utmost to minimise disruption."
Shrewsbury's new deputy mayor Miles Kenny said: "I did have some reservations when this was first mooted, particularly about the humps. But actually, on reflection I think this is a great idea.
"Cars do come fast along Wyle Cop and if any of these measures help to prevent that and also prevent cars going in to Beeches Lane then I can find little to fault it."
Andrew Bannerman, who represents the ward on the town council, said: "These improvements will see the junction at Tanners and The Cornhouse become much safer for pedestrians, will put a uniform 20mph speed limit across the town and will mean the town centre is pedestrian friendly. I think it will make a huge difference to the Wyle Cop end of town."
