Major roadworks between Whitchurch and Ellesmere finishing early
Major roadworks which have caused disruption for motorists and businesses are set to be completed ahead of schedule.
The A495, the main route between Whitchurch and Ellesmere, is set to fully reopen by 4pm on Friday once work to install a safety barrier at Newton Bends is completed.
The news has delighted Lincoln McMullan, organiser of Ellesmere's annual food and drink festival, which will take place on Saturday and Sunday.
Although Shropshire Council has not yet confirmed exactly when work will be completed, Mr McMullan said he received a call from the site manager yesterday who said the road is set to reopen on Friday – two days ahead of schedule.
Mr McMullan, who had raised concerns about the effect the closure would have on the event, said: "Ian Eastgate, from the council's contractors Ringway, rung me to say it will be done and dusted by 4pm on Friday, which is great news.
"I would like to thank Ian for getting the work done ahead of time for our food and drink festival."
Work has been carried out over the last three weeks to install a new safety barrier on the road at Newton Bends following a previous crash there.
Paul Fletcher, who owns the Sun Inn in Welshampton, near Ellesmere, said his business has been hit by the closure of the A495.
Tim Sneddon, Shropshire Council's operations manager in highways, transport and environmental maintenance, said: "The barrier safety works on the A495, at Newton Bends, is progressing well.
"Progress has been good considering the rain we have had recently, and we are hoping to get the road open soon."That is, however, dependent on the weather conditions over the next few days. We will be advising of a firm opening date as soon as we have more certainty, but the outlook is promising."
