National Highways has announced a £30 million investment to improve safety and journeys for people using the ‘Shropshire Triangle’. Motorways and major A roads play a key role in keeping the UK economy moving, carrying a third of all traffic and two thirds of freight.
The Shropshire Triangle is formed of three major A roads – the A5, A483 and A458 – on the England-Wales border that provide vital links for communities, businesses and visitors between the Midlands, North Wales and the North West.
As traffic grows and infrastructure ages, National Highways is carrying out essential maintenance and upgrades to ensure quality, safety and to future-proof these well-used link roads.
The tired roads will be resurfaced, drainage repaired or replaced to ease flooding and safety barriers renewed.
These are just some of the measures planned in the extensive works programme that begins this year and will include:
- 26,500 metres of drainage repairs
- 144,531 metres of road markings repainted
- 8,688 road studs replaced
- 160m of concrete barrier renewed
- 77 lane km of resurfacing – this is the length of resurfacing carried out on individual lanes not just the length of carriageway
National Highways’ Route Manager for Shropshire, Joseph Walmsley, said:
“Many of the roads we manage were built around 60 years ago and now need renewing to keep people and goods moving safely and reliably, while supporting future growth.
“We know that these are key routes so it is good news for Shropshire that we can now get on with these essential works and ultimately improve journeys for local communities, businesses and all who use these roads.
“But that can’t happen without some disruption for drivers and local people so please bear with us while we bring your roads up to the standard you expect and need.”
Work is set to get under way on the A458 scheme from Shrewsbury to the Welsh border in October.
(Picture: National Highways)
