Work begins to improve Oswestry's Mile End roundabout
A scheme to improve the A5 Mile End roundabout at its junction with the A483, near Oswestry in Shropshire, will get underway today.
The work will involve increasing the size of the existing five arm roundabout to a six arm roundabout as well as realigning the junction to improve traffic flow. The new arm will be constructed north-west of the roundabout to enable access to a proposed development site in the area.
The scheme will also include new footways and pedestrian crossings, upgraded traffic lights, road markings, energy efficient LED street lights and a landscaped area at the centre of the roundabout.
Construction is expected to be complete before the end of the year.
Highways Agency project manager, Deborah Makinde, said: “The A5 Mile End roundabout gets very busy, particularly at peak times.
“This £4million scheme will help tackle congestion and make the road safer by increasing capacity. Road users will experience improved journey times as a result.
“As with all work of this nature, some delays may occur and we ask motorists to plan their journeys accordingly. We will do our utmost to complete the work as quickly as possible, to reduce disturbance and keep noise and disruption to a minimum.”
To minimise disruption to road users, the majority of the work will take place overnight between 6.30pm and 7am. During the course of the work there will be phased overnight lane closures as well as occasional full closures, with any diversions clearly signposted. Occasional daytime work may also become necessary with off-peak lane closures. A temporary 50mph speed restriction will be in place at the roundabout 24 hours a day from the second week of the scheme (8 July) for the safety of road users and the work force.
The work is part of a national £317 million pinch point improvement programme designed to boost local economies, reduce congestion and improve safety on the strategic road network in England. The programme is part of the UK Government’s growth initiative, outlined during the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement in November 2011.
