Road widening plans in Shropshire for HS2 traffic

The company building the high speed railway, which skirts the north east corner of the county, is currently consulting on the plans and says it will work to minimise the impact.

More than 100 residents packed out Woore Victory Hall, near Market Drayton to listen to bosses behind HS2 update residents on plans for the area.

Richard Johnston, phase 2a area manager for HS2, gave a presentation on the proposals for the area and then answered a series of heated questions.

He said: “We have developed a pathway for the construction traffic and identified the volume of traffic along that route.

“The proposed temporary highway works are designed to enhance safety for the community during construction of the railway extension to Crewe.

“We may need to do alterations along the road in Woore for the construction traffic. The road going through Woore is one of the main A roads that will service construction of the railway.

“There are a number of different routes we have considered – and we still are looking at all routes.

“Recently some people in Woore would have got public notices from HS2 as we need to gather information on the ownership of land or property which may be temporarily or permanently affected by construction of the new railway.

“We have done an environmental assessment in the area and found that the increase in the volume of traffic will be relatively limited and will be compliant with all environmental standards.

“We have still not got all the info and there is plenty more time for consultation as work is not expected to begin on this phase of the railway until 2021.”

“HS2 continues to work on the design of Phase 2a. There will be further opportunities for consultation, not least as the Hybrid Bill passes through parliament.”

One member of the public said residents in Woore were petrified and jumping to conclusions as they had not been given the full information.

Mr Johnston said: “More information will be available once the next Bill passes through parliament. Next week we should be in the position to tell you how many lorries will be going through the village and the changes proposed.”

Another resident asked: “Why is it not possible to use the old Stoke to Market Drayton railway line for construction traffic?”

Mr Johnston answered: “A number of options have been considered and will still be looked into.”

A spokeman for HS2 said that the widening would be a temporary measure and once the work was complete responsibility for the road network would lie with Shropshire Council.

HS2 was given Royal Assent by the Queen in February, paving the way for construction to begin on the new train line.

The line to Crewe is due to open in 2027, and to Manchester, Leeds, South Yorkshire and the East Midlands in 2033.

In total, the project is expected to cost £55.7billion.