999 delay fears as roadworks to shut A442 between Telford and Bridgnorth
Concerns have been raised that the closure of a main road through the county may affect the time it takes for residents to receive treatment from emergency services.
Bridgnorth's mayor, Councillor Vanessa Voysey, said she was concerned for those needing to get from Bridgnorth to Telford hospital.
She said: "Road works do need doing, but I would express concern for people who need to go into Telford hospital that it's extra time on the journey and it's extra time for ambulances to get to Telford.
"They probably have got the best route its just unfortunate that it's taking such a long time.
"There are stretches between Bridgnorth and Shrewsbury which are terrible too."
The diversion will take drivers from Sutton Maddock in the direction of Upper Ludstone via the B4176, then past Swancote on the A454, then in the direction of Stanmore before travelling on the A458 towards Bridgnorth.
The route will add approximately 10 to 15 minutes to journeys. The length of road closed is approximately 6.2 miles, whereas the diversion will take drivers about 13.8 miles.
Shropshire residents reacted to the news of the A442's closure on social media.
Sanna Garbett said: "What happens if emergency services need to get to people quickly?"
Gail Spence UW said: "I shall be going either past Blists Hill to Ironbridge through Broseley or turn up towards The Woodbridge through Broseley then to get from Telford to Bridgnorth."
Martin James said: "The diversion is along the "rabbit run" which is not the best of roads to drive."
Jason Dillon said: "So it's not just road works on the two busiest junctions to the motorway from Telford, but now we can't get from one side to the other because of yet more road works.
"I'm thinking the council are making it as difficult as possible for us."
Whereas, one resident said the road closures should not affect all commuters.
Dave Robertson said: "It does say road closed from 9.30am until 4pm so should not affect all the commuters."
General highway repairs will take place including several areas of structural machine laid patches, permanent repairs of potholes, areas of repairs to take place between Norton village and Bridgnorth.
The 30mph speed limit in Norton village will be enhanced, which involved the removal of carriageway surface that the old "red matting" sits on, providing additional lining and new signage.
Des Plain, chairman of Worfield Parish Council accepted that the planned road closure was important.
He said: "This planned road closure is important to allow essential work to be carried out.
"A signed diversion route will be clearly displayed by Highways Department of Shropshire Council.
"Worfield Parish Council would request drivers of all vehicles to adhere to this official diversion route. Many will try to use the narrow lanes, which they will see as short cuts, to travel through the environs of Worfield.
"The parish council and Shropshire Council would advise against this because these lanes are entirely unsuitable for this kind of use. The lanes are narrow, often single track, with many blind spots and few passing places. The surfaces on these unclassified lanes are badly degraded with many potholes.
"Road users affected by this closure are advised that routes marked 'No Diverted Traffic'' should be avoided in favour of the official diversion route. The co-operation of drivers during this period of work on A442 would be very much appreciated."
