Bike4Life: Six major road closures you need to know about to avoid traffic jams this weekend as major event takes place
Drivers are being reminded to expect delays - and to be caught in jams - on major routes in Shropshire on Sunday as one of the spectacles of the year takes place.
Sunday’s annual Bike4Life Ride Out and Festival will see a convoy of 3,500 bikers head out from Meole Brace in Shrewsbury to Weston Park near Shifnal on Sunday morning along the A5 and M54.
National Highways says there will be some traffic restrictions for Shropshire road users, starting at 10.20am, and lasting for up to two hours while the bikers roar through.
The organisation says there will be ‘restricted traffic movements’ at Meole Brace Island if drivers are travelling from Sainsbury’s supermarket.
Additionally, National Highways says all eastbound movements will be stopped on the A5 at Dobbies, A5 at Emstrey and A5 Preston Boats roundabouts.
There will also be "closures of the eastbound entry slip roads on the M54 at junctions seven, six, five and four, and no traffic movements other than the motorcycles at junction three and the A41 northbound as far as the junction with Foxey Road until the ride out clears.”
National Highways senior network planner Frank Bird said: “The sight of all the bikes leaving Meole Brace and heading down the motorway and then into the festival is quite the spectacle and one we are happy to support as we see the vital work Midlands Air Ambulance Charity does at close hand.
“We’ll be making sure the Ride Out runs as smoothly as possible and will reopen roads and junctions as soon as it is safe to do so.
“We advise anyone due to travel through this area on Sunday to plan ahead and avoid the times of the ride out if possible. If that’s not possible, set off early and allow extra time for your journey.”
The motorcycle convoy will be led by a familiar National Highways traffic officer vehicle.
The organisation says that other traffic officers will be patrolling the route to assist with any incidents and ‘keep roads moving as smoothly as possible’.
Another vehicle will follow the convoy to the rear, sounding its bullhorn as it passes each junction to signal to traffic management crews that roads can be re-opened.
The riders and their passengers will travel a 25-mile route to raise money for the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.
Organised by the charity and with support from the Safer Roads Partnership, this year’s festival includes live bands, food traders and entertainment.
The event raises tens of thousands of pounds for the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.