Two weeks of congestion and controversy as A41 roadworks continue

The £1 million scheme includes road resurfacing, new drainage systems and upgrades to road signs and lines, but the road closure, which has seen the A41 closed from the Forton roundabout to Hinstock, has caused controversy.

The 24-hour closure, which is expected until at least September 3, has seen the council put a a 29-mile diversion in place but residents in a rural villages near the A41 say drivers are ignoring the designated route and clogging up country roads.

On Tuesday, more than 60 residents packed into Sambrook Village Hall from the small communities lining the route including Sambrook, Puleston, Pickstock, Tibberton and Ellerton to discuss the closure.

They said the closure of the road has brought "chaos" to the rural communities, who found themselves inundated with traffic avoiding the lengthy diversion.

Damage to property, including to listed buildings, kerbs, road edges and hedges, and traffic jams and road blockages posing a risk to emergency services, were just a few matters on the packed agenda.

See also:

• 'Cyclist travels length of A41 roadworks as workmen admit project might not be 'done within a month'

Businesses have also been hit. The owner of Marsh Lane Car Sales near Hinstock, has said he has lost £10,000 of trade in the first week following the A41 closure.

Adrian Slater said his shop won't make it to September if customers are faced with five more weeks of a 29-mile diversion.

Meanwhile, local councillors have questioned why the council has insisted on keeping the road closed for 24 hours

Telford & Wrekin councillor for Edgmond, Stephen Burrell, says that currently roadworks are taking place roughly between 9am and 3pm, but the main route remains closed through the evening and night. He has questioned why a 24-hour road closure was necessary.

Telford & Wrekin Council has accepted the 29-mile diversion was long and that they "understand people’s frustrations" but a spokesperson said they have explored "all options" before installing the road closure, including temporary traffic lights and and day-time closures but those schemes would just "extend the duration" the work.

The spokesperson added: "We have also invested time beforehand talking with businesses and residents and will continue to do so throughout the project’s duration, and have already been responding to queries, as well as working with councils affected on the borders of the scheme.

“On the ground, we have actively encouraged motorists – including HGV drivers – to follow dedicated diversion routes and widely promoted the right routes. We cannot legally enforce these routes or control where vehicles go – that is not something in the council’s power.

“Extensive signage has been rolled out from the M54 to signs at lanes that state 'No access for HGVs'. In addition, further signs show where traffic can intersect the A41.

"We are doing all that we can to ensure drivers adhere to the prescribed diversion route. The council will make use of the mobile CCTV hub during peak times to maintain safety and divert traffic from the village.

"We will continue to work with residents and businesses to understand the issues and assist where we can. We are unable to attend to the community meeting due to the short notice, but we are meeting with the spokesperson to review the issues raised.

"If people would like to raise concerns, they can email [email protected]."