Triple whammy of Shropshire roadworks on way

Work on the A458 Bridgnorth bypass, at the Onibury level-crossing and on the A5 between Oswestry and Shrewsbury is due to overlap.

One of the issues is that the work is being carried out by three separate agencies – Network Rail is working at Onibury, Highways England is responsible for the A5 works and Shropshire Council is behind the Bridgnorth roadworks.

But Shropshire Council has said it is aware of the possibility of a clash and that the A458 work, which will see "significant improvements" be carried out between July and November, might be delayed.

The work at Onibury will involve traffic being taken on a 58-mile diversion, which includes part of the bypass.

Heavy good vehicles and other traffic travelling between Shrewsbury and Hereford will be directed via Bridgnorth and Kidderminster, rather than take a shorter diversion from the A49 down country roads between Craven Arms and Ludlow in order to avoid works at Onibury.

The official diversion route has been put in place for the rebuilding of Onibury level crossing, which will mean a full 24 hour closure of the A49 around the site from July 1 to 10, though motorists will be able to use shorter routes around the closure.

Concerns have been raised over the length of the diversion, which sticks to major A roads rather than using B roads around the area, making it a very long trip for commuters.

There are also overnight closures planned on a 13-mile stretch of the A5 between Oswestry and Shrewsbury during the same time period.

Work is being carried out from May 30 until July 7 between the Mile End roundabout at Oswestry and the Churncote roundabout. The road will be closed between 8pm and 6am.

It is believed the works are part of a pavement resurfacing scheme.

It is also believed that traffic will be diverted via Four Crosses and Llandrinio during the closures.

A statement on behalf of Shropshire Council said: "We're currently talking to partners about the possibility of delaying the start date of the planned A458 improvements works to avoid a clash with the closure of the A49 at Onibury. These discussions are ongoing."

Hannah McCarthy, speaking for Network Rail, said: “Between now and the closure, we will be talking to the public and local businesses to raise awareness and help people plan ahead. There is never a good time to carry out this type of work and we apologise for the disruption.”