Bridgnorth bypass works put back to avoid clash with A49 closure
Work on the Bridgnorth bypass has been put back a week so as not to fall at the same time as the closure of the A49.
Improvement work on the A458 is now due to start on July 11, seven days later than originally planned.
The move has been made in an attempt to minimise traffic disruption as the A49 through south Shropshire is due to be closed completely from July 1 to July 10 – and the proposed diversion is through Bridgnorth and the A458.
The A49 closure is due to Network Rail undertaking work to completely rebuild the level crossing at Onibury, between Ludlow and Craven Arms,
The work on the A458, and the roundabout approaches between the B4373 junction and the Stourbridge Road roundabout, remains due to finish by November 10.
Steve Brown, Shropshire Council’s head of highways, transport and environmental maintenance, said contractors are currently revising the plans for the work and further details will be announced shortly, including the revised key dates of road closures.
He said: “We’ve been talking to our partners about the possibility of delaying the start date of the planned A458 improvements works to avoid a clash with the closure of the A49 at Onibury. I’m pleased that, as a result, we’ve reached an agreement to delay the A458 work, which is good news for Shropshire’s road users and news that I’m sure will be well received.”
He said two-way traffic lights are expected to be in place on sections of the A458 from July 11 with a 20mph temporary speed limit in sections where work is taking place.
It is also expected the bulk of the road closures will take place at night in early August and throughout September into October, he said.
The bypass project will see the replacement of bridge expansion joints on the Bridgnorth River Severn Bridge, along with associated concrete repairs to the bridge and works on the bridge parapets.
The Severn Valley Railway Overbridge will also be repainted.
The A458 and the roundabout approaches will be resurfaced, road signs and road markings will be replaced and refreshed, and footpaths will be repaired.
The streetlighting and safety barriers will also be updated, and drainage improvements will be carried out.
Access to local businesses and properties will be maintained while work is carried out, he added.
