Shrewsbury traders and residents face a major town road being closed again – with contractors forced to return to repair work carried out just 12 months ago.
Dogpole will be closed to traffic from 7pm on Saturday to 6am on Monday so that it can be resurfaced again as parts of it are disintegrating.
The road was resurfaced last May as part of the £500,000 third phase of the former county council’s town centre enhancement scheme.
Contractor Alun Griffiths will carry out the work and foot the bill, which is estimated at around £30,000.
A council spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, in part of Dogpole the surfacing has started to deteriorate due to a failure of the material, meaning it will have to be removed and replaced. This work will be undertaken entirely at the expense of the council’s contractor.”
A diversion route will be in place to direct motorists around the town. Changes include Castle Gates and Castle Street becoming two-way for access purposes only.
The one-way traffic order on the bottom of Dogpole will be rescinded, allowing traffic to turn right off Wyle Cop up Dogpole as far as the roadworks. There will be no right turn from Church Street onto Dogpole and motorists face lengthy waits to enter and exit Church Street.
Jeremy Salisbury, Shropshire Council’s principal engineer for highways, said: “These works are essential to remedy the situation, but Shropshire Council regrets the inconvenience these cause. Every effort is being made to minimise the disruption and to clearly sign the diversionary route. We will be sending out information to residents and businesses in the area to let them know the details of this work.”
The eight week road closure of St Mary’s Street and Dogpole last April and May caused chaos for motorists.