Temporary traffic lights outside Shrewsbury railway station removed early after traffic frustrations

Temporary traffic lights outside Shrewsbury railway station have been removed several days ahead of schedule following work on Friday afternoon.

Shropshire Council said the "successful work" had allowed the measures to be removed ahead of the weekend and Monday’s ‘rush hour’.

The work has been part of the project to "enhance and improve the Shrewsbury railway station gyratory area" and resumed last Monday after pausing for a break over Christmas.

This week, visitors to the town have faced lengthy waits and queues around the area, with one local business reporting staff had changed the way they travelled into town because of the delays.

A spokesperson from Shropshire Council said: "The current phase of work to enhance and improve the station gyratory area began this week and temporary signals and traffic management have been required to help ensure the safety of the workforce, the travelling public and pedestrians.

"This phase of work has progressed extremely well as a direct result of the high level of support from our contractor McPhillips, signal engineers from Traffix, and our consultant WSP, and every opportunity has been taken to minimise the impact of this work.

"However, we acknowledge the difficulties this work has presented for many road users, thank people for their patience and understanding, and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

"Today (Friday, January 10) saw carriageway excavations being undertaken to install ducts across part of Smithfield Road, near Chester Street, with the concrete reinstatement to be protected by steel plates to allow the concrete to cure. The success of this work – which was brought forward – means the temporary lights are no longer needed."

According to the council, traffic will be temporarily held for a "short period" early next week to remove the protective steel plates, but said it will be carried out off-peak.

The next phase of work will start on Monday, January 13 and will see paving and kerbing works from the top end of Chester Street at the junction with Smithfield Road. 

It's anticipated the work will last five weeks, during which time the left-hand feeder lane from Smithfield Road into Chester Street will be closed, though access to Chester Street will be provided.

The ‘Station Quarter’ work – being carried out by local company McPhillips Ltd on behalf of Shropshire Council – is Government funded and is set to be completed by summer 2025.