New £130,000 project to fill in two Telford underpasses begins

The underpasses in Randlay Avenue in The Nedge, close to Catherton and Arundel Close, will be stopped off and filled with foam concrete.

The embankments to either side of the underpasses will be filled and top soiled ready for grass seeding to tie in with the surroundings. New footpaths linking to existing footpaths will then be created.

Bosses at Telford & Wrekin Council said the investment to remove the underpasses would be recouped over time thanks to not having to maintain the ageing structures.

Over the decades, underpasses have fallen out of favour and are rarely used, they said, as well as being linked to anti-social behaviour and neglected. Filling them in is increasingly being used by councils to solve the problems. Last year, the council filled in three problem underpasses in Brookside.

Plans to do away with the underpasses in Randlay Avenue have been welcomed by residents and parish council. The local policing team also supports the move, as it would remove the opportunity for anti-social behaviour and improve public confidence.

Councillor Hilda Rhodes, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for roads, said: “Underpasses like these were a common feature of 1970s urban design but they have become less popular. Pedestrian surveys showed that neither of these underpasses were being used very much.

“Our Pride programme is about working with our partners and communities to create safer, cleaner and more attractive communities. As well as helping to improve public confidence, the £130,000 investment to remove the underpasses will be recouped through savings associated with the ongoing maintenance of these ageing structures."

Work on the underpasses starts today and is expected to take around 16 weeks to complete.