Hopes of dual carriageway upgrade for A5 and A483 in Shropshire
Two trunk roads through Shropshire have gone into advanced studies for the Government's investment strategy amid hopes it could lead to a dual carriageway.
A recently-published regional highways report recognised that congestion on the A5 north of Shrewsbury and A483 around Oswestry is worsening, impacting safety, economic growth and the environment.
Roads minister John Hayes revealed the two roads will now be assessed further as part of the road investment strategy for beyond 2020. He was driven along the roads and attended meetings in Oswestry and Pant when he was invited to the area by North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson last month.
He has now written to Mr Paterson to say the Government is listening to the concerns of people who use the roads or live nearby.
"The Midlands to Wales and Gloucestershire strategy acknowledges the congestion on this section of route is worsening. Highways England has published a strategic economic growth plan for maximising the economic contribution of the strategic roads network," Mr Hayes said.
"I recognise the potential for economic growth, jobs, housing and tourism that investment on the A5 and A483 may yield."
Consultation will into the strategic roads network with run until early next year.
Mr Paterson said: "This is very encouraging news. We must continue to send information to the minister about the problems that the roads cause. and the barrier they are to economic growth. We have to continue to make the case for the dualling of the A5 and the creation of a bypass for Pant and Llanymynech."
During his visit to Shropshire Mr Hayes took to a tractor to see for himself the dangers of trying to cross the A5 at the notorious Shotatton crossroads.
