Warning of roadworks at town sites

Motorists in Shrewsbury are to face a number of roadworks next year as key town centre roads are shut and areas closed off for a variety of urgent works.

The roadworks include a 14-week period of work to enhance Harlescott crossroads to make it safer after the death of cyclist Ben Somers last year.

A number of projects relating to gas main works and a roundabout for a new housing development will see other roads closed for between three and five weeks.

Severn Trent Water is applying for a four-week closure of The Mount to enable an urgent sewer flooding alleviation scheme from February 1.

On January 11 work begins on installing a new mini roundabout at the Persimmon Homes site in Spring Gardens, Ditherington, a gas main replacement between Marine Terrace to St Julian's Friars near the English Bridge, and the Connect 2 cycling scheme in Smithfield Road and Welsh Bridge.

A report from a Shrewsbury Town Council meeting says the gas main replacement over five weeks has been classified as "urgent" by National Grid Gas.

Chris Edwards, from Shropshire Council, said they were "essential roadworks" and added: "The majority of these roadworks will not require road closures, however we appreciate that traders and residents may be concerned about them, and we are meeting with both groups to discuss any concerns.

"We are keen to work with traders throughout 2010 to promote Shrewsbury as a place to visit and reassure people that it is business as usual in the town. Our officers have worked hard to co-ordinate these works to minimise disruption, including looking at out of hours and off peak working."