Temporary traffic lights near Shrewsbury station removed ahead of schedule

Temporary traffic lights outside Shrewsbury railway station have been removed several days ahead of schedule – and ahead of the weekend and Monday’s ‘rush hour’.

The current phase of work to enhance and improve the station gyratory area began this week and temporary signals and traffic management have been required to help ensure the safety of the workforce, the travelling public and pedestrians.

Shropshire Coucnil says the work has progressed extremely well as a direct result of the high level of support from contractor McPhillips, signal engineers from Traffix, and consultant WSP.

However, the council says it acknowledges the difficulties this work has presented for many road users, thanks people for their patience and understanding, and apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Friday saw carriageway excavations being undertaken to install ducts across part of Smithfield Road, near Chester Street, with the concrete reinstatement to be protected by steel plates to allow the concrete to cure. The success of this work – which was brought forward – means the temporary lights are no longer needed.

There will be a need to temporarily hold traffic for a short period early next week to remove the protective steel plates, but this will be carried out off-peak.

The next phase of work will start on Monday 13 January 2025 for five weeks and will see paving and kerbing works from the top end of Chester Street at the junction with Smithfield Road. To facilitate this, and to ensure safety for all concerned, the left-hand feeder lane from Smithfield Road into Chester Street will be closed, though access to Chester Street will be provided.

The ‘station quarter’ work – being carried out by local company McPhillips Ltd on behalf of Shropshire Council – is Government funded and is set to be completed by summer 2025.