Station quarter works to get underway

The first phase of work to improve the area to the front of Shrewsbury railway station begins today.

The area includes the gyratory next to Shrewsbury railway station, connecting Castle Gates (A5191), Chester Street (A528), Smithfield Road (A458) and Cross Street (A528), along with areas to the north and south.

The ‘station quarter’ work – being carried out by McPhillips on behalf of Shropshire Council – is externally funded. It will be carried out in eight phases and is set to be completed by summer 2025.

Phase one of the work will include work on Castle Foregate and Howard Street, and will see the closure of the left-hand lane on Castle Foregate to the front of the station.

The second phase of work will then begin at the start of September 2024, with phases three to eight carried out in early 2025.

During the work people are being warned to expect delays in the area and drivers are encouraged to use alternative routes, or alternative forms of travel, where possible.

A number of measures are being put in place to help minimise delays and aid traffic movement, the council said.

Matt Johnson, executive manager – strategic projects, with Shropshire Council, said: “This project will see improvements around the station gyratory area which will greatly enhance the area, improve accessibility, and ease movement for people travelling through the area – whatever their mode of travel.

“There is likely to be disruption to road users while this work is carried out and we thank people for their patience and understanding while work is carried out.

“The town centre will very much be open for business during the work and we encourage people to continue visiting the town, but to consider using alternative routes if they can, or to use alternative modes of travel – including walking, cycling, public transport and park and ride.”

The second phase of work will begin at the start of September and will see the right-hand lane closed on Castle Foregate.