Traffic build-up during work near station tackled

An artist's impression has been released of how the area outside Shrewsbury railway station will look

Traffic lights will be turned off and the timing of lights near a junction reviewed as roadworks continue near Shrewsbury railway station.

It follows a build-up of traffic by the station and along Coton Hill as works take place to make improvements to the area.

Wider pavements, two cycle routes and benches are being added as part of the scheme, which started last month.

Shropshire Council has previously thanked people for their patience and understanding.

The Chester Street/Cross Street lights will be turned off on 5 August for the removal of a traffic island or before then if the contractor can attend.

The junction would then be run as a give way, with preference for the Smithfield Road vehicles - the way it "is operated when there is flooding" and how "it best works from practical experience," the council said.

It added manually-activated pedestrian crossing facilities would be needed to allow people to cross.

A signals engineer has identified improvements to maximise the green-light time on the Castle Foregate/Smithfield Road junction.

The scheme to improve the area, which includes the gyratory next to the railway station, connecting Castle Gates, Chester Street, Smithfield Road and Cross Street, is externally funded.

The project is set to be completed by next summer.