Trees to be removed to allow A458 improvement work to be carried out

A number of trees located along the A458 Bridgnorth bypass will shortly be removed to enable significant improvement works to be carried out on the road this summer.

The bypass project will see the replacement of bridge joints which are at the end of their working life, along with associated concrete repairs to the bridge.

Carriageway resurfacing works, including road markings, drainage improvements and footpath repairs will be carried out.

The street lighting and safety barriers will also be updated, and the traffic signs will be improved.

The trees set to be removed are either growing too close to existing traffic barriers, signage, bridge abutments, footpaths or the road. Trees which have died or are showing signs of disease may also be removed.

The works are to be undertaken by sub-contractors working for Ringway and are planned to start before the end of January 2017.

None of the trees which have been identified have a preservation order on them and therefore no permissions are required for their removal.

Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways and transport, said:

“The Bridgnorth bypass scheme will see some important work carried out on one of the county’s most important roads, and road users will see big improvements once the work is complete. I’m sure most local people would agree that this work is important, and the long-term benefits will far outweigh the short-term inconvenience.

“For the work to be carried out it is necessary to remove a number of trees on the route and our highways team have worked closely with the council’s trees team to ensure this work is done correctly.”

Communication with local businesses and residents will be carried out later this year so that people know what work is being carried out and when, and how it may affect them. It is intended that access to local businesses and properties will be maintained while the bypass improvement work is carried out.