Shrewsbury Relief Road Faces Cancellation Over Soaring Costs

Shropshire Council is set to consider cancelling the long-planned Shrewsbury North West Relief Road (NWRR) after a report concluded the project is no longer affordable.

Councillors will debate the recommendation at a full council meeting on 26 February. The proposal relates specifically to the Department for Transport (DfT)-funded section between Holyhead Road and Battlefield. A separate western element, the Oxon Link Road (A5 Churncote to Holyhead Road), is under a different review and would not be affected by this decision.

Work on the relief road was paused in June 2025 after the DfT confirmed no further central government funding would be provided. The original scheme was expected to cost £87.2M including the Oxon Link Road, with £54.4M allocated through the DfT’s Large Local Majors programme alongside contributions from the former Marches Local Enterprise Partnership, developers and the council.

However, revised estimates now place the cost of the NWRR section alone at £162.4M, up from £74.2M, reflecting planning delays, rising construction costs and governance concerns highlighted by external auditors. Officers say the council cannot bridge the resulting funding gap given its current financial position.

The authority declared a financial emergency in September and has since been awarded £192.8M in exceptional financial support from government, which must be repaid over time.

The relief road has long been promoted as the “missing link” in Shrewsbury’s transport network, intended to connect the A5 Welshpool Road roundabout to the Ellesmere Road roundabout, including new crossings of the River Severn and the Shrewsbury–Chester railway line. Supporters argue it would ease congestion and unlock development, while critics cite environmental concerns and value-for-money questions.

If councillors agree to cancel the DfT-funded section, the council will need to determine how remaining funds are used and whether alternative transport measures can address congestion and support housing growth in the town.