Watch: Disruption continues amid 'extensive' month-long resurfacing scheme of busy Shropshire A-road

Highways chiefs say the month‑long resurfacing of a key Ellesmere route is now moving into its next stage, with councillors insisting the short‑term disruption will deliver major long‑term benefits for the town.

A series of closures have been in place along the A495 by The Mere in Ellesmere since a major resurfacing scheme began on Thursday, June 2.

The next phase of the scheme - covering the stretch of road from The Boathouse to Tunnel Bank- begins on Monday, June 15.

Phase 2, between The Red Lion and The Boathouse, was completed last week, following the earlier finish of the section from Sparbridge roundabout to The Red Lion.

The works, which run on weekdays from 9.30am to 4pm, are due to continue until Friday, 3 July.

Shropshire Council says closure points will continue to “move where possible” as crews progress along the route, with access maintained, when safe, for residents and businesses within the working area, as well as for pedestrians, dismounted cyclists, equestrians and emergency services. No on‑street parking is permitted during working hours.

All other traffic is being diverted via two lengthy signed routes - a 31‑mile diversion through Oswestry or a 41‑mile diversion via Whitchurch - though the council says some drivers may be able to choose an alternative depending on their vehicle type.

Councillor David Vasmer, Shropshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Highways and Waste, said the scale of the project reflected the authority’s wider push to improve the county’s roads.

“It’s quite extensive and it’ll radically improve the road and make it less susceptible to potholes,” he said.

“This is all part of investment into our roads to ensure potholes don’t form. We are doing 90 schemes of resurfacing and over 60 surface dressing. Together, this will make a substantial improvement in our roads.

“We know this work is causing disruption for local residents but this is being managed and we are trying to accommodate as many people as we can to ensure that Ellesmere continues to function.”

Ellesmere councillor Rosie Radford said the improvements would support the town’s visitor economy.

“Ellesmere’s very much the jewel in the north and we want our visitors to feel welcomed and benefit from The Mere and the opportunities around the town, so having a good quality road is really important,” she said.

“While it’s a short‑term disruption, the long‑term benefits for our visitor economy in Ellesmere are really positive.”

People are being urged to check the One Network roadworks site for the latest information, with any changes also shown on yellow advance‑warning signs.