Safety work ends at Harlescott 'danger' crossroads

A £1.3 million scheme to improve the layout of a junction close to where a teenage cyclist lost his life has been completed.

Work began in April to improve the safety of Harlescott Crossroads, in Shrewsbury, close to the site where 14-year-old Ben Somers died in October 2008.

The crossroads is now fully open to traffic following major works to modify the road layout and install a new traffic signal system following calls from campaigners to improve safety.

The works started on April 12 this year and was also intended to reduce queuing and delays. It was originally meant to finish on August 27 but was delayed after a large water main was discovered along the route.

The work has included modifying islands, providing a pedestrian refuge in Harlescott Lane and a footway.

The work was funded by Shropshire Council with contributions from Tesco and Lidl.

Councillor Martin Taylor-Smith, Shropshire Council's cabinet member for transport, said: "I'm pleased that this busy junction is now fully open after this essential work to make it safer. I would like to thankresidents, businesses and road users for their patience and understanding while work was carried out."