OSWESTRY’S A5 at the Mile End roundabouts is open again after a new bridge crossing was installed overnight to give the bypass a new look.

The 55-metre bridge was put into place over the major road from 8pm on Monday night, and is close to the newer of the two roundabouts at Mile End.

Oswestry Advertizer Camera Club members and drone enthusiasts were out to chart the progress of the bridge which was lifted into place by one of the largest cranes in the country.

OTHER NEWS:

The road reopened to traffic at around 6am on Tuesday morning and work to create access on both sides of the road, connecting the town to the long-planned Innovation Park, will now begin.

Border Counties Advertizer:

Mark Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for growth and regeneration, said last week: “Although the bridge won’t be in use straight away, we will be working hard to ensure that people will soon be able to use it to access the park and make the most of the countryside walks in the area.

“Alongside the bridge, work on the proposed innovation park is also progressing.

“Designs for the spine roads, connectivity and utilities are completed, and has 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.

Border Counties Advertizer:

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

Shropshire and Oswestry councillor Duncan Kerr had campaigned for a ‘much-needed’ different design and had the support of his town council colleagues.

He had previously said that the bridge’s design did not provide disabled access and was not cycle friendly.

However, he agreed that it would be vital for many people.

Get in touch

Share your views on this story by sending a letter to the editor. To get in touch email news@bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk, or fill in the form on this section of our website.

He said: “Both the town council and myself campaigned hard for a bridge that was accessible for the disabled and wouldn't require cyclist to dismount several times.

“It is regrettable and short-sighted that Shropshire Council didn't listen.

“At the moment it might seem like a bridge to nowhere but with 700 houses coming in south east Oswestry and an innovation park on the other side of the A5 it will become a vital link in the future.”