Traffic misery for Shrewsbury motorists during roadworks

The Roman Road approach to the Meole Brace roundabout was closed to traffic from Tuesday and will remain closed for approximately a week to allow more work to be carried out.

But the closure brought traffic problems for motorists trying to make their way in and out of the town. On the first day of the closures, traffic was reported to be queuing along Belle Vue Road and in to Longden Coleham. The bypass also had heavy traffic as did other approach roads.

Meole Brace roundabout is currently undergoing major reconstruction works as part of the £12 million Shrewsbury Integrated Transport Package (SITP).

Steve Brown, Shropshire Council's highways, transport and environmental maintenance manager, said: "We appreciate that this work will cause some disruption and inconvenience to road users, but we're aiming to minimise this by carrying out this work as quickly as possible.

"During the work, access will be maintained for pedestrians, dismounted cyclists, and vehicles accessing local businesses.

"Every effort will be made to complete the work and reopen the roads in time for Shrewsbury Town's home fixture against Southend on Saturday and before schools return from the Easter break on Monday.

"We ask people to bear with us while this important work is carried out, as it will lead to significant improvements at the roundabout, and is an important part of the Shrewsbury Integrated Transport Package programme."

A number of townspeople took to social media to complain about the effects the roadworks were having on motorists.

Richard Calderbank said: "They can advertise it all they like but some people still have to move from one side of town to the other. At 2pm it took 90 minutes to get from Monkmoor to Radbrook and back. Every route was gridlocked – even the A5."

Becca Thomas added: "It was a nightmare. They have closed it all off, so I went through Coleham but traffic has horrendous there. Queues everywhere, so I turned around come back to Hanwood island and went on the bypass."

Darren Owen said: "It's a huge waste of money. Great planning to close Roman Road the very same day 100s of holiday makers are driving on the bypass back from Wales. Bravo planners."

Shropshire Council say the Roman Road approach closure will be via Roman Road, Radbrook Road/Hanwood Road, Edgebold roundabout, Bayston Hill roundabout and Hereford Road.

The Hereford Road closure will be via Hereford Road/Belle Vue Road, Longden Coleham/Longden Road and will continue on the above diversion.

Also as part of the SITP, Sutton Park roundabout will be closed between 8pm and 6am until May 5 to allow resurfacing work to take place.