Telford drivers to face five mile diversions during works

Holyhead Road in Wellington will be closed, between its junctions with Haygate Road and Roman Road, from August 31 to September 13 for resurfacing work.

The route runs past Orleton Park – home to Wellington Cricket Club and is a main route into Wellington town centre as well as the town’s main exit to the M54.

There will be a full road closure in place on weekdays, 24-hours-a-day, with the site reopened to traffic at the weekends.

Concerns have been aired that it is likely to cause major disruption.

The main diversion for eastbound motorway traffic to access Wellington will be via junction six of the M54 and is a five mile diversion.Drivers travelling eastbound on the M54 face a five-mile diversion to get into Wellington.

The planned road closure will also affect Arriva’s number 81 bus service, running between Shrewsbury and Telford.

The bus company says it is making arrangements to temporarily re-route the service.

Jamie Crowsley, general manager for Shropshire at Arriva Midlands, said: “We are aware of the plans for roadworks in Holyhead Road and are currently drawing up plans for an alternative route around the area to minimise disruption.”

Adam Byram, from Wellington Cricket Club, said it would affect both home players and opposing teams. is also expecting the roadworks scheme to cause disruption to motorists.

The club operates seven days-a-week for training sessions and matches.

Mr Byram said: “It might affect opposing teams who are trying to get to games and some of our own players as well. It’s going to affect me on a daily basis.

“It could cause a nightmare through Wrockwardine.”

Telford & Wrekin Council says structural investigations have determined that a major road reconstruction scheme is required in Holyhead Road.

The work will be completed in sections so that access is retained to all residents and businesses on Vesey Court. Local traffic can use a diversion route via Ercall Lane which is 2.5 miles long with motorway traffic facing a five mile diversion.

Advance warning signs will be in place on the M54 when works commence.

Angie Astley, Telford & Wrekin Council’s assistant director for neighbourhood and customer services, said: “As part of our summer resurfacing package, five sites have already been completed or are in progress and this is the final site.

“We do try to time major works, like this, for the school holidays but unfortunately we couldn’t complete everything over such a short period.”

and therefore we apologise in advance for any inconvenience. This work will be done and our contractors are well aware of the challenges and are working very closely with us to get the job done as quickly as possible.”