Mark Pritchard MP speaks out over M54 roadworks misery

Mark Pritchard, MP for The Wrekin, said he has spoken to the Department for Transport over the amount of time taken to complete roadworks on the motorway. Mr Pritchard said the closures are affecting the county.

During a debate in Parliament Mr Pritchard asked the secretary of state Andrew Jones if he will "discuss with Highways England the time taken to programme and complete highway works on the M54 in Shropshire".

Mr Jones said: "With regard to current and future works on the M54 in Shropshire, there are currently no delays to the programme of works for the current financial year, 2015/16."

"For the forthcoming financial year, 2016/17, Highways England is in the process of finalising the programme of works. This will be completed by the middle of February."

Works set to be undertaken this year include work on the pavement on the junction three slip road for Cosford; fence and barrier repairs on junctions seven and six between Ketley and Wellington, pavement repairs between junction two for Wolverhampton until it joins the M6 motorway; three sets of drainage works between junction one and the M6, and refurbishment to traffic signals on the exit slip road from junction four, for Shifnal.

Mr Jones added: "There have recently been problems with the concrete carriageway on the eastbound side between junctions three and two. Highways England has carried out a significant number of temporary repairs."

However, Mr Pritchard said he is still concerned. He added: "Road closures have a huge impact on local residents and businesses. Highways England need to plan far better.

"The concrete barriers also appear to have made no consideration for wild animals transiting across the carriageway, which could now pose greater harm to road users and to wildlife."

Ian Askew, asset development manager for Highways England, said: "

The current round of repairs have been completed and we're continually monitoring the road.

"We are investigating a long term solution, but in the interim we plan to undertake further work in the spring to reduce the likelihood of future failures occurring."