WORK to install a new pedestrian bridge over the A5 in Oswestry has been welcomed by a local councillor.

The initial work to install the bridge close to the new Mile End roundabout began on Wednesday (September 20) after much of the structure was built by the side of the major trunk road.

Cranes will now be lifting the lifting the structure into place, a move supported by Councillor Mark Jones, an Oswestry town councillor and Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for growth and regeneration.

He said: “Some eagle-eyed members of the community may have already seen the bridge in situ, when driving near Mile End.

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“We hope the bridge build is completed by spring 2024, and lifted towards the end of this year, but as work progresses, we will make sure our local community is informed of key updates, as the installation will require a formal closure of the A5.

Border Counties Advertizer: “Alongside the bridge, work on the proposed innovation park is also progressing.

“Designs for the spine roads, connectivity and utilities are completed, and have enabled us to prepare an infrastructure procurement package for the whole site.

“We hope to award this contract and commence work on site from spring next year, with employment land plots becoming available from early 2025.

“We have already agreed terms for three of the plots which will be pre-sold, and are monitoring interest for the remaining plots, whilst we wait for the infrastructure contract to be awarded.”

The bridge, the design of which was opposed by Oswestry Town Council over practicality for buggies and cyclists, will provide pedestrian and cyclist connectivity between the surrounding area and the new innovation park.

This is another important stage of development in the area following the Mile End junction improvements completed last year.

The works will support the planned development of Oswestry Innovation Park, which it is hoped will create more employment land in that area of the town, according to a Shropshire Council spokesman.

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Joyce Barrow, who represents the St Oswald ward at Shropshire Council, also welcomed the beginning of the work.

She said: “I am pleased to see this exciting project moving forward.

“This will bring much-needed jobs into the area and pump money into the local economy.

“This junction is an artery to the Midlands and Wales, which makes it the perfect place for national companies to relocate to, and new businesses to start up.”