Shropshire Council confirms £2.6m paid for controversial Shrewsbury gyratory scheme

The project, funded by central government, involved redesigning the road layout outside the station, including reducing traffic lanes and introducing cycling and bus infrastructure. However, the changes have faced significant public criticism since their introduction.

Public backlash and congestion concerns

The scheme converted two traffic lanes into a single lane to create space for a segregated cycle path and a “floating” bus stop. Since the changes were implemented, residents and local businesses have reported increased congestion in the area.

A petition calling for the road layout to be reverted to its previous design has attracted nearly 7,000 signatures.

Concerns have also been raised by emergency services. Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said crews had been “unnecessarily delayed” while responding to incidents due to the new road configuration.

Local frustration with the scheme has also been reflected in lighter ways, with a nearby bar launching a beer titled “Panic at the Bus Stop” in reference to the controversial redesign.

Safety review underway

The council said it has now received an interim Stage 3 Road Safety Audit examining the scheme following its construction.

The audit reviews how the new road layout operates in practice and assesses any potential safety risks. Council officers are currently analysing the report.

A formal designer’s response will now be prepared, addressing any observations or recommendations made in the audit.

The findings will then be reviewed by a council task and finish group set up to assess the scheme, as well as the authority’s economy and environment scrutiny committee. An update will also be provided to the council’s cabinet at a future meeting.

Bus stop design questioned

The redesign has also drawn scrutiny over the floating bus stop installed as part of the project. Bus operator Arriva suspended use of the stop after it was reported that the facility did not meet national width guidance.

Council response

Councillor Rob Wilson said the contractor had delivered the project using available resources and within the agreed funding.

“This provided better value for money for the council and utilisation of the resources available,” he said.

Council leader Heather Kidd added that there was no fixed completion date for the scheme’s next stage of work.

“We don’t want to spend more money unless we get it right this time,” she said.

Shropshire Council has also acknowledged the public reaction to the scheme and said “lessons will be learned” as it reviews the project and considers potential changes.