More misery as M54 roadworks to overrun by a month
Motorists face even more misery on the M54 as roadworks are to overrun for another month, it was revealed today. It is the second time the work has been put back, with weather and road conditions used as reasons for the delay.
The work was originally meant to finish in April but Highways England said the condition of the road was worse than expected. A new finishing date was given of June 13 – but that has now been put back again to mid-July.
Highways England again say weather and road conditions have caused problems to work to resurface and replace barriers.
The work, which started in November, has brought speed restrictions and night-time closures between junction three at Albrighton and junction five at Telford. The speed limit westbound is 40mph and 50mph eastbound, and closures are placed on sections of the road between 9pm and 6am.
Alistair Harris, of Highways England, today apologised for the delay but said the work was essential, making the road surface smoother, improving drainage and improving the safety of central reservations.
He said: "The work will finish a bit later than expected, with delays mainly due to poor recent weather – heavy rain prevents concrete from setting properly – and unforeseen ground conditions, which have affected our work programme.
"We are working hard to finish this scheme as soon as we can. This scheme will improve journeys for drivers, with a new road surface which will improve safety and greatly reduce the noise of traffic."
Lucy Allan MP for Telford, said: "Roadworks and delays on the M54 are frustrating and have a negative impact on the experience of people coming to Telford – this has been a long-running problem. I want to see the work finished as soon as possible so the motorway can return to normal. This has gone on too long."
