More Shropshire roadworks misery on M54 and A5
Overrunning roadworks on the M54 will finally end next week – but there is more misery on the horizon for Shropshire motorists.
Work to improve the motorway surface and crash barriers were first meant to end in April and then in June.
But adverse weather was blamed for delays which have extended night closures and a speed limit of 40mph westbound and 50mph eastbound between Junction 3 at Albrighton and Junction 5 at Telford.
Highways England says those £12 million works will now end and the speed limits will be lifted.
But more roadworks have already started at Junction 7 at Wellington – and the A5 at Shrewsbury is set to be dug up on Monday as part of another four-month project.
Highways England today apologised for the delay but said the work was essential, making the road surface smoother, improving drainage and improving the safety of central reservations.
A spokesman for Highways England said: "We are doing everything we can to complete this work between Junction 5 and 3 of the M54 westbound carriageway as soon as possible, and we anticipate it will be completed in July.
"However, difficult ground conditions under the road surface have caused delays to this scheme. We were unable to ascertain what the ground conditions were until we'd lifted the road surface. Once we identified the problem we had to make sure it was rectified before we could resurface the road and reopen it to traffic.
"We apologise for any inconvenience to local drivers. We are now actively reducing the amount of traffic management and will remove the speed restrictions as soon as it's practically safe to do so."
Highways England said work on the A5 in Shrewsbury will start on Monday between Dobbies roundabout at Bayston Hill and Montford Bridge.
It will not be completed until November. The road will be resurfaced and markings and reflective road studs replaced.
