Between 27th June to 3rd July, there will be closures on A442 from Wombridge Interchange to Hollinswood Roundabout. This is to allow for one of the largest cranes in Europe to be erected and to lift the rail bridge as part of the Telford Footbridge project. This is one of the largest engineering projects in the Borough in recent years and will provide a new footbridge with lift access to the train station. Inevitably this closure will cause significant disruption over this period. The southbound section of the dual carriageway will be closed to make way for the crane from June 27 to July 3. The northbound section will be closed for the safety of the public, from June 29 to July 3.
The official diversions will send drivers along West Centre Way, Lawley Drive and Holyhead Road in Ketley but it is likely that all routes through the Parish will see heavy additional traffic during this period.
Telford and Wrekin Council are keen to ensure disruption during this period is minimised and have suggested that residents should consider the following to avoid being severely impacted by the closure:
- Plan your journeys in advance, the immediate routes off the A442 could be extremely busy during this period so there maybe some disruption.
- Take alternative routes, try and avoid using the A442 if possible and find alternative routes across Telford or to the Town Centre if you do have to travel.
- Take the opportunity to walk, cycle, car share or use the train if you do have to travel.
TWC Highways will be continually monitoring the traffic through their Traffic Management Centre. This allows them to monitor live journey times, monitor the traffic cameras and adjust traffic light timings remotely if necessary. They will also have officers on the ground monitoring the situation. TWC will be keeping their social media up to date through twitter and facebook and Radio Shropshire will also be providing updates as well.
This is the first of two bridge lifts that will need to be undertaken, with the 2nd bridge lifted into place around September time.