Council warns further congestion is 'likely' during next phase of station quarter works in Shrewsbury - road closures announced

The next phase of work will begin on March 27 and last for around six weeks - the council has predicted - and will see the closure of Cross Street between its junctions with Coton Hill and Castle Foregate.

The council has warned motorists to expect congestion in the county town and urged road users to use alternative routes or modes of travel, or avoid the area all together. 

The long running scheme to improve Shrewsbury railway station gyratory area has come under fire from local residents and businesses amid heavy traffic in the region.

Motorists have experienced long queues and heavy delays throughout the works so far.

But, the council's deputy leader, Councillor Ian Nellins said the works will make Shrewsbury a nice place to visit.

Shropshire Council said the next phase of 'station quarter' improvement works will begin after current works on the Chester Street/Smithfield Road junction are completed.

This stage of work has been undertaken to enable Chester Street to become two-way from the bottom of Coton Hill to Smithfield Road.

The local authority said the closure of Cross Street is required so that the existing footway can be repaved and a new footway can be constructed on the southern side of the road, underneath the railway tunnel. 

The council added: "It will also ensure the safety of the travelling public and the workforce, who would otherwise be working in an enclosed area and in close proximity to live traffic and to exhaust fumes.

"By closing the road, the contractor can also focus attention on delivering this phase as quickly as possible, thereby mitigating, in part, the impact on the gyratory and the wider area."

A signed diversion will be in place and temporary traffic lights installed to manage traffic at the Castle Foregate/Smithfield Road/Castle Gates junction.

Shropshire Council said traffic from Ellesmere Road will be able to travel to Smithfield Road and turn left or right, "without the need to drive directly past the railway station". 

Meanwhile, traffic heading southbound from St Michaels Street will still be able to drive past the railway station to access Castle Gates or Smithfield Road.

And, northbound traffic - from Smithfield Road - that would ordinarily have turned left or right on to Castle Foregate at the end of Cross Street, will be asked to follow diversion signs.

The local authority added that information surrounding vehicular access to the railway station during the closure period will be announced "shortly".

A statement by Shropshire Council said: "During this next phase of work congestion is the area is likely. The site team and Shropshire Council will routinely monitor the impact of the work - which is a key component of the overall project - and consider/action mitigations where appropriate.

"Shropshire Council thanks people for their patience and understanding whilst work is being carried out. Every effort will be made to complete the works promptly, and road users are asked to use alternative routes or modes of travel - or avoid the area  - if at all possible.

"The council will also continue to actively monitor and assess other planned work in Shrewsbury to keep main routes free from any further traffic lights or road closures if possible."

The 'station quarter' works are expected to be completed by summer.