Work to start on Telford town centre box road scheme

The £11.8m scheme is set to improve traffic flow and access for pedestrians and cyclists between the £250m Southwater development and Telford Shopping Centre.

The first phase of the scheme will include Malinslee roundabout and St Quentin Gate. The work will be completed by the end of the year in time for the opening of the new ASDA store and Southwater developments.

The Highways Agency will be installing traffic lights on the Forge roundabout and widening the carriageway around the island to three lanes. The lights will improve traffic flow to and from the M54 with the aim of reducing queues on to the motorway.

The second phase will be completed next year and will include Malinsgate and Woodhouse Central during spring followed by Lawn Central during summer and Grange Central during autumn.

The final phase will include Coach Central with the works taking place during winter 2014/early 2015.

A low rise central reservation will be installed around the length of the box road and the roads will be resurfaced as part of the process.

Footpaths either side will have new paving installed to create an urban street feel. The scheme will also feature new landscaping including trees and new lighting to create boulevards.

Telford & Wrekin Council says roads will largely stay open while work is carried out although there may be some phased closures.

The two way traffic flow will come into effect in phases when work on each section is completed.

At each corner of the box road, a new roundabout will be built. These will support the two way system, control vehicle speeds and assist with traffic flow. Town centre car parks will remain open as usual during the work.

Although work starts on September 30, this will mostly be preparatory work. Actual construction works are expected to begin in early to mid October.

Telford & Wrekin Council has appointed Ringway Infrastructure Services as the managing contractor for the scheme.