The Shrewsbury North West Relief Road is a planned 4 miles (6.4 km) long single-carriageway bypass for Shrewsbury in England.
History
The road has been discussed officially since the mid-1980s. Plans to introduce tolls to fund the road were explored, but dismissed in December 2007.[1]
In 2019, the cost was stated to be £71 million.[2] In April 2021, the cost was stated to be £84.3 million. £54 million is promised from national government funding with local government picking up the rest, including any overspend.[3]
Route
The road would connect the A5 in the west with the A5124 in the east, creating a complete ring road around Shrewsbury. It will cross the River Severn via a 668 metres (2,192 ft) long viaduct near to the Darwin Trail and be close to sites of scientific interest and an ancient woodland, necessitating the felling of some trees.[3]
Reception
Shropshire Council argues that the road will reduce congestion and unlock new land for housing. The scheme has received over 5,000 formal objections[4] and has been criticised for being contradictory to the council's net zero by 2030 pledge.[3]
The project has been criticised by climate activists for its environmental impact. They claim the road will require at least 29 trees to be felled including one which is over 550 years old.[3]
See also
References
- ↑ "Controversial plan back on track". BBC News. 23 July 2009. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
- ↑ "Council welcomes award of £54m for Shrewsbury north west relief road". Shropshire Council Newsroom. 21 March 2019. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
- 1 2 3 4 Barkham, Patrick (26 April 2021). "Activists fight to save 550-year-old oak threatened by new Shrewsbury road". The Guardian. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
- ↑ "21/00924/EIA North West relief Road scheme public comments". Shropshire Council. 1 March 2021. Retrieved 2 August 2023.