Improvement work at the English Bridge gyratory in Shrewsbury to begin on 31 July

The English Bridge gyratory in Shrewsbury

Improvement work is to begin at the English Bridge gyratory in Shrewsbury on Monday 31 July 2017.

The work – being carried out as part of Shrewsbury Integrated Transport Package (SITP) – will last for approximately three months and include: the upgrading of footpaths to improve the appearance of the area; improvements to footpaths and cycle paths along Abbey Foregate; the resurfacing of the road; and the upgrading of traffic signals and pedestrian crossings.

This diagram (follow link) shows a detailed plan of the work to be carried out.

Under the SITP, work is being carried out to improve a number of key junctions in the town. This includes the now-completed work at Meole Brace roundabout and Sutton Park roundabout, and work at Reabrook roundabout, which will be completed at the end of July.

Once the work at Reabrook is completed, work will start at the English Bridge gyratory, including work at Coleham Head.

During the work there will be several traffic management phases to ensure the safety of the travelling public and the workforce while work is carried out.

Steve Davenport, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways and transport, said:

“The work at the gyratory will enhance the area in its role as a key gateway to the town centre, bringing benefits for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, and for local businesses and services.

“With work of this nature there will be some disruption whilst the work is undertaken; however, every effort will be made to keep any disruption to a minimum, and access to local businesses and properties will be maintained during the work. We therefore thank people for their patience and understanding.”

Though the work is scheduled to last three months, it is weather-dependent and part of a larger overall programme, and may be subject to unforeseen delays.

Regular updates about the progress of the work will be added to the Shropshire Council website at shropshire.gov.uk/sitp .

Letters about the work have been delivered to local residents and businesses, and meetings have been held with businesses located on Abbey Foregate.

Leaflets giving information about the work will be available from Abbey Foregate Post Office, from Monday 17 July.

Further information

What is the Shrewsbury Integrated Transport Package?

The Shrewsbury Integrated Transport Package (SITP) aims to stop drivers using the town centre as a through route, and to make better use of the town’s outer and inner ring roads instead.

At the same time, a number of improvements are planned for the town centre to make it more attractive and appealing for pedestrians, and make it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to access the town centre and find their way around.

The SITP has been designed to improve access to the town, make it a safer and more appealing place to visit or do business, whilst also reducing pollution levels.

Drawn up by experts from Shropshire Council and its consultant WSP, with the support of Shrewsbury BID and Shrewsbury Vision, the plans have been approved by the Department for Transport. The plans aim to ensure the infrastructure of our county is fit for purpose and will remain fit for purpose for the foreseeable future and beyond.

What work is taking place?

The SITP work falls into two main categories:

(1) Key junction improvements – February 2017 to October 2017

Work is/was scheduled to take place at the following locations, on the dates stated:

• Meole Brace roundabout – from 10 February to 30 May 2017
• Sutton Park roundabout – from 10 April to 7 May 2017
• Reabrook roundabout – from 8 May to 26 July 2017
• English Bridge Gyratory (inc Coleham Head) – from 31 July to end of October 2017

The programme is / was subject to change due to acceleration of works or unforeseen events. Please continue to look at the Shropshire Council website for up-to-date details.

The programme as a whole has been agreed to take into account the major events that are taking place, or took place, in Shrewsbury during the spring and summer.

(2) Town centre improvements – beginning in January 2018

Who is paying for the work?

The project will be delivered thanks to Government funding secured by The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) as part of an £80m Growth Deal to support infrastructure and broadband schemes in the region.

The work will cost £12m – with £6m coming from the Marches LEP, and £6m from developer contributions under the community infrastructure levy (CIL) and section 106 payments.

Midlands Engine

Marches LEP