Plans for Shrewsbury walking and cycling improvements

Shrewsbury residents and visitors are being asked for their views about planned changes at the junction of Shrewsbury bus station, Raven Meadows and Smithfield Road.

Part of the Connect2 project to encourage more walking and cycling in the town, the plans follow on from the junction improvements made at Welsh Bridge in spring 2010, and aim to:

•  Provide more space for people to walk and cycle.
• Make it safer for people to cross Smithfield Road. 
• Make it easier for buses to turn into the bus station.
• Cut congestion by improving traffic flows through the junction.

 The plans can be viewed until 3 June at www.cycleshrewsbury.co.uk, or in person at Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, and The Guildhall, Frankwell Quay. 

They will also be discussed at the Severn Loop Local Joint Committee meeting on Wednesday 18 May. 

Construction work on this phase of the Connect2 project is due to begin this autumn.

Mal Price, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for transport, said: “Please take a look at the proposals and tell us what you think before the 3 June deadline.” 

Andrew Bannerman Shropshire Councillor for Quarry and Coton Hill, said: “I hope residents will study these plans which aim to make this place more pedestrian and cycle friendly.”

Further information

1.  The key proposals (please see the consultation plan for more information).

What is proposed? Wider pavement between the Boxing Gym (old mortuary) and Severn Terrace, to provide a shared use route for walking and cycling.        
Why? To overcome existing problems at this pinch point opening up this section for wheelchairs and mobility scooters and providing more space in front of properties on Severn Terrace. It would extend the riverside walking and cycling route from the Quarry towards the railway station and north Shrewsbury.

What is proposed? Changes to kerb line and traffic lane markings.  
Why? To improve the line taken by large vehicles through the junction and reduce over-running of the footway and between traffic lanes.

What is proposed? New one-stage ‘Toucan’ signalised crossing across Raven Meadows.          
Why? To allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross between Meadow Place and the bus station.

What is proposed? New two-stage ‘Toucan’ signalised crossing across Smithfield Road.            
Why? To allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross, and provide more space for people when waiting to cross.

What is proposed? New entrance to bus station, with uncontrolled pedestrian/cyclist crossing point.
Why? To accommodate a new give-way system for buses in advance of the signalised junction, reducing delays for buses.

What is proposed? Repositioning of traffic lights and new signal control system.    
Why? To accommodate the new Toucan crossings and improve traffic flows through the junction.

2. About Connect2

Shrewsbury is one of 79 places across the UK which has been chosen to receive Connect2 funding from Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity.  Sustrans’ Connect2 is funded by a £50 million Big Lottery Fund grant after the UK public voted the scheme the winner of The People’s Millions Lottery contest in December 2007.

The focus of Connect2 in Shrewsbury is a riverside promenade along Smithfield Road and a pedestrian/cycle crossing at Welsh Bridge, linking the traffic-free route through the Quarry to the bus and railway stations.