One-way closure of London Road in Shrewsbury for BT cable work

A one-way – eastbound – closure of London Road in Shrewsbury is set to be in place from Monday 17 February [2020]  for approximately six weeks while BT carries out cable diversion work linked to the new Weir Hill housing development.

As part of Taylor Wimpey’s planning condition for the Weir Hill site they are required to construct an access onto London Road. However, before they can begin construction work BT needs to carry out the cable diversion work. This work will involve the demolition of two existing manhole chambers and the building of two new chambers. This work will all require deep excavations throughout and chambers cast from concrete around the cable.

Following on from the BT work, Taylor Wimpey plan to start their programme of works which will involve the construction of the new access, carriageway/footway realignment and the relocation of a bus stop as per their planning agreement. This work will be carried out using temporary two-way signals.

As there are concerns about BT working so closely to the Emstrey roundabout they are proposing to have a one-way closure in place preventing traffic from joining the A5 from London Road, although the road will remain accessible from the A5 only. Haycock Way, Pritchard Way, Hazledine Way, Hereford Road and the A5 will be used as the diversion route from the Column roundabout.

Access to all businesses and properties along London Road will remain accessible from the Column end of London Road.

Upon completion of the BT works, Taylor Wimpey will then have two-way signals in place during their works but hope to reduce this down to lane narrowing when possible.

The overall programme of work is estimated to take around 12 weeks.

Unfortunately Taylor Wimpey are unable to start construction until BT have completed their diversionary works. We have requested that both parties look to minimise the disruption by ensuring all available resources are put into the jobs, including extended working hours.

Shropshire Council’s inspector for the area will be attending site regularly to ensure the contractors are working efficiently and keeping to their programme of works on time.