Drivers face delays in new Telford roundabouts work

Both the Shawbirch roundabout and the Clock Tower island in Telford will see lane restrictions while Telford & Wrekin Council continues its programme to improve six interchanges around the borough.

The council said the work will ensure that Telford's road network has the capacity to cope with future housing developments, cutting congestion.

Initial preparatory work to divert services has already been undertaken at Shawbirch roundabout and next Monday sees the start of the improvement work.

Both the Shawbirch and Clock Tower islands will be increased in size, with additional lanes provided to improve traffic flow. It is expected that the Shawbirch roundabout will be completed by November and the Clock Tower roundabout by December.

Councillor Angela McClements, Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet member for transport, said: "We have worked closely with our contractor McPhillips to minimise disruption during the work, the majority of which will be carried out using lane restrictions.

"Temporary traffic signals will only be used where necessary to complete the work safely and efficiently. Towards the end of both projects, overnight road closures will be in place to allow the final surfacing to take place.

"We do expect delays to traffic during the course of the work and we would like to thank road users for their patience and co-operation."

Elsewhere, work is continuing to improve the Limekiln Bank roundabout which is expected to be completed at the end of July. Drivers using the island have reported long delays, with congestion increasing because of the four-way traffic light system that has been put in place.

The Telford Growth Point package is being funded by a combination of government money via the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership and Section 106 contributions from developers. All work should be completed by March 2017.

For real time updates on the works, sign up to the council's email service at www.telford.gov.uk/newsforyou