Severe weather extended Shrewsbury A49 roadworks - but they should finish today

Drivers faced periods of road closures, diversions, temporary traffic lights and lane closures on the A49 after contractors started work on November 13.

Lorry drivers faced a diversion of 54 miles from December 4 until Christmas, while a two-mile stretch closed for the first week for urgent resurfacing work.

The work started between Dobbies Island, Bayston Hill, near Shrewsbury, and the turning for Condover.

For the first week, the road was closed to the village of Dorrington while resurfacing work was carried out. Then Kier, which was appointed by Highways England to carry out the work, used traffic lights to regulate the flow of vehicles.

There was a local, non-HGV, diversion through surrounding villages while for other traffic, there was a diversion along the A5 to the A458 to Much Wenlock, then on to the B4368 towards Craven Arms before finally turning back on to the A49 where the diversion ended.

A week later on November 20, more work began on the A49 to reduce the visible impact of the road for nearby residents.

The work took place until November 30 under lane closure with temporary traffic lights.

Highways England team leader, Jessica Kenny, said: “Once completed motorists will benefit from brighter LED lighting which will improve safety and visibility on this busy route. We have worked hard to complete this as quickly as possible.

"We have encountered severe weather in recent weeks which slightly delayed the completion but work has always been done overnight to ensure any disruption is kept to a minimum.”

The work was planned to finish on January 20, but it was extended until today.

Highways England said minor remedial work may take place under temporary traffic lights next week.