Meole Brace roundabout improvement work shortlisted for two awards
Work to improve Meole Brace roundabout in Shrewsbury has been shortlisted for two regional highways awards.
The work was carried out between January and July 2017 as part of the £12million Shrewsbury Integrated Transport Package (SITP).
The scheme is in the running for:
- The ‘Best Small Project’ award in the Chartered Institute of Highways and Transport West Midlands Awards 2018. The winner will be announced on 3 May.
- The ‘Best Major Scheme 2018’award in the Institute of Highways Engineers – West Mercia Awards. The winner will be announced on 19 April.
Meole Brace roundabout after improvement work was completed
The work at Meole Brace saw a fundamental redesign of the junction to accommodate the planned growth of residential and employment sites along Oteley Road, and also to acknowledge current day outbound traffic movements towards the A5 and A49.
Shropshire Council also took the opportunity to greatly improve the safety and ease of use of the junction for cyclists and pedestrians with a brand new dedicated route through the roundabout separating these journeys from live vehicle traffic.
In tandem with improved signalling and revised landscaping, the improvements were successfully delivered on time and in line with the allocated budget through Shropshire Council’s contractor McPhillips Ltd.
Steve Davenport, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways and transport, said:
“Shropshire Council is currently delivering £12m of key inward investment into Shrewsbury’s highways and town centre, through the Shrewsbury Integrated Transport Package (SITP).
“Meole Brace roundabout was one of the first elements to be completed and we’re delighted that the work has been shortlisted for two important industry awards.
“The public and user response to the completed works has been very positive, and traffic movements for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, have been greatly enhanced. With the ongoing improvements and refinement to the traffic lights phasing at the junction, the improvements have delivered a junction fit for purpose in terms of capacity for the planned growth of the town.”
As part of the reinstatement works to habitat and planting, the island is also becoming established as a more attractive, ecologically diverse and effectively managed gateway entrance to the town. Shropshire Council will continue to work with Shrewsbury Town Council to ensure that this continues.
Further information about the Shrewsbury Integrated Transport Package
The SITP is funded through £6m of Growth Deal funded secured through the Marches LEP, and £6m of developer contributions.
The SITP is a package of transport measures designed to improve the transport system in Shrewsbury, and stimulate a new period of sustainable economic growth within the town and the surrounding area.
It comprises two main elements:
- Key junction improvements at Reabrook Roundabout, Meole Brace Roundabout, English Bridge Gyratory and Coleham Head. These involved upgrading current highway infrastructure, including traffic signals to improve vehicle capacity and pedestrian and cycle facilities, with the aim of reducing congestion
- Enhancements in Shrewsbury town centre, including Pride Hill, The Square and Mardol to improve the public realm and highlight pedestrian facilities. This closely links to the traffic management measures.
For more information visit shropshire.gov.uk/sitp.
Midlands Engine
Marches LEP
