Telford Council apologises for 'perfect storm' of roadworks

Commuters were left with delays of up to an hour after several of the main routes into and through the town came to a standstill.

Drivers on the A442 travelling towards Telford Shopping Centre, the main route into the town from Bridgnorth and several areas of the Black Country, were left in queues because of works on the north bridge of the Randlay Interchange.

Elsewhere, those travelling to junction five of the M54 were caught in up to an hour of traffic leading through Telford Shopping Centre and off to Stafford Park.

Those trying to avoid the traffic completely were caught in bumper to bumper congestion through Malinsgate, Woodhouse Central and Hall Park Way at Telford Shopping Centre, while ongoing roadworks on Ketley Brook Roundabout caused problems for people travelling to junction six of the M54.

Lois Winstanley of Telford & Wrekin Council today apologised for the chaotic scenes during yesterday's morning rush hour.

He said: “There were significant delays, with traffic backing up around Telford Town Centre.

"The north bridge at Randlay Interchange was closed for essential works and this is what caused the problems as drivers sought other routes to avoid this.

"We opened up one of the lanes on the bridge to ease the situation but traffic was still moving slowly.

“The bridge will be closed for two weeks and we are now looking to improve signing on the approach to the Randlay Interchange so that drivers can take alternative routes. We have also adjusted the timings of lights at Hollinswood Interchange.

"We hope these actions will help and will be closely monitoring the situation.

"We are really sorry for the delays.”

Drivers took to Twitter and Facebook to complain about the trouble they were having getting to work.

Chris Bentley tweeted: "Coming up to an hour sitting in traffic in Telford. Simply unfathomable level of roadworks and road closures.

"I'd love to know why highways decision makers at Telford & Wrekin Council think the traffic chaos they've created is OK.

"Poor workmen are taking the flack from frustrated drivers in Telford roadworks."

Chel Preen posted her thoughts on Facebook.

She wrote: "As long as road surfaces are improved, it is fine by me.

"I am more annoyed over uneven road surfaces and pot holes damaging the car. It just means leaving a bit early."

Austin Hayward wrote: "Absolute chaos around Telford Shopping Centre and Stafford Park. It is Telford Council planning at its finest!"

Karen Thorpe Rixom added: "I've been stuck in jams getting back and forth to work on Stafford Park for weeks now. If they did the work in the night and opened the islands for the rush hour it would solve a lot of problems."

Jake Perks wrote: "I never have cause to go near the town centre at 9am, but I did this morning.

"I had to queue on the hard shoulder before getting off the motorway. I was relieved to find it's not normal for the time of day."