Shropshire Flooding: Shrewsbury roads closed due to flooding
Roads in Shrewsbury town centre were closed this afternoon as the River Severn bursts its banks, motorists are being urged to avoid the area.
Rising floodwater has led to sixteen road closures within Shrewsbury town centre and the surrounding area.
All major routes into Shrewsbury town centre are affected by the closures with other roads around the town reported as being very busy, as motorists use alternative routes.
The speed at which the river is rising with water also backing up through the drainage system has taken some people by surprise.
Fire crews have helped residents to leave their properties along Chester Street and also Cross Street. Two people were rescued from a van after being stranded in flood water on Berwick Road.
Rest Centre opened in Shrewsbury
Shropshire Council has opened a rest centre in Shrewsbury for those affected by the floods caused by the rainfall during Storm Dennis. Shelter, a hot drink and support will be provided.
The rest centre is at the United Reform Church in Coleham Head, SY3 7BJ.
Pedestrians have no access to The Quarry, a popular route into Shrewsbury town centre, via Porthill Bridge due to flooding.
Shropshire Council Update
Shropshire Council says it is continuing to work around the clock in response to Storm Dennis and want to reassure people affected that all partners are working together to keep people safe, and plans have been put in place for the coming days.
The council’s emergency planning team have also been in action as part for the wider coordination effort involving the emergency services, Environment Agency, and other key partners.
Ongoing communications have been issued to the public and local media throughout the weekend and we will continue to do so.
Praising the work of highways and other services across the council, Clive Wright – chief executive, said:
“I would like to thank all our staff and partners in responding to what has been an unprecedented situation. Our priority has been the safety of residents and to our infrastructure.
“We have quadrupled our teams to respond to the floods, and will continue to monitor and respond to any changes to our situation as it progresses.
“I hope my update will reassure people that we are working as hard as we can to ensure the safety of our residents.
“We are now seeing high levels of flooding which is affecting traffic in and around Shrewsbury. We have issued a current list of road closures. We hope this information about the current high level floods in Shrewsbury will also be useful to our partners, in that the current flooding in the town will have an impact further downriver.”
Riverside Medical Practice Closed
Riverside Medical Practice in Shrewsbury has closed due to flooding. It will also be shut tomorrow and no more prescription orders are being processed. The practice said the safety of its staff and patients is paramount.
Flood Defences
The Environment Agency has deployed flood defences in Frankwell and Coleham Head. A predicted peak at Welshbridge of 4.4m to 4.6m is expected later today. The Environment Agency says it expects river levels to remain high over the next few days.
Roads Closed
Shrewsbury Town Centre
Smithfield Road
Berwick Road
Sydney Avenue
Gravel Hill Lane
Roushill
Longden Coleham
Old Coleham
Coleham Head
Victoria Avenue
Coton Hill
Williams Way
St Julians Friars
As the River Severn levels continue to rise, the following roads are likely to be closed:
English Bridge to Gyratory
Old Potts Way
Castle Foregate
Wyle Cop
Raven Meadows is also closed except for access via Meadow Place.
Surrounding Shrewsbury
Chilton Farm Lane
Atcham to Cross Houses
Cressage to Eaton Constantine
Car Parking
Shropshire Council car parks including Frankwell and St Julians are closed.
Earlier today motorists were asked to remove their cars from the Wyle Cop NCP after 80 vehicles were at risk of being flooded.
