Next stage of Shrewsbury roadworks revealed
The next stage of a multi-million pound revamp of Shrewsbury's roads starts later this month, with Shropshire Council pledging the work will be worth the disruption in the long-term.
Roadworks at The English Bridge Gyratory and Coleham Head are due to start on Monday, July 31, and will last for around three months.
Council officials said the majority of the work will be carried out without road closures, although some will take place at the end of the scheme to re-surface the roads.
The resurfacing is due to take place at night to minimise disruption.
The move means motorists are likely to face delays in the area, although the council said that it hoped the lack of full road closures would mean less disruption than the current Reabrook Roundabout resurfacing.
The work, which is part of Shrewsbury's £12 million Integrated Transport Package, will follow on from the Reabrook refurbishment - work which has faced a two week delay and led to widespread criticism and a council apology.
Shropshire Council's cabinet member for highways, Steve Davenport, said the latest stretch of work will be temporarily halted so as not to affect Shrewsbury Flower Show.
He also indicated that the Reabrook project is on target to complete by July 26.
The gyratory work includes the removal of a number of crossings, and the creation of three islands for pedestrians to cross.
It will also see the resurfacing of pavements, intended to give the Abbey Foregate area the same appearance as town centre.
Councillor Davenport said the work will benefit Shrewsbury in the long-term and would help to attract more tourists, benefitting local business.
He said: "All we can do is make things better with what we have in front of us, we can't knock anything down, we can only improve what we have.
"We are thinking about cars, pedestrians, cyclists and trying to integrate everything and keep everyone moving and flowing in a manner everyone is happy with."
He added: "Once it is done the proof of the pudding is in the eating but we certainly think it will make make the town feel more integrated and will help to encourage tourists and benefit business."
