Angry motorists are facing big delays around the Welsh Bridge as work to repair traffic signals is carried out, with some residents claiming the jams have caused them to miss hospital appointments.
A two-week repair job is under way at the junction by the Welsh Bridge to fix badly damaged traffic signals on Smithfield Road, following the explosion in January.
This means drivers cannot turn right from Bridge Street, with diversions in place around Frankwell roundabout and back again.
Residents have criticised the repairs, taking place at peak times, saying they are bringing the town centre to a standstill.
It is claimed that many patients waiting for buses to take them to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital are turning up late – and missing their appointments.
June Semo, of Longden Coleham, said: “I had an appointment at the hospital on Tuesday and it took us 45 minutes to make what should have been a short journey from the bus station, and many others were in the same boat and missed their appointments.
“I then had to wait a further two hours and thankfully they managed to fit me in but these road disruptions are having a huge knock-on effect on people.”
Resident Robert Bullard, 47, who lives in Frankwell, said: “The town centre is at a standstill and although I fully respect that the work has to be done I sometimes wonder whether the council is doing all it can minimise its effect on residents and the wider community.”
Jason Hughes, principal traffic engineer for Shropshire Council, said: “We would like to reassure motorists that officers are working hard to complete the Bridge Street traffic signal replacement scheme as soon as possible, as we realise there are delays in the town.
“We would like to encourage any through traffic to use alternative routes around the town centre whilst the closure is in place.”
By David Seadon
