Vital work is being undertaken at Craven Arms, Shropshire, by Network Rail as part of their maintenance and improvements programme.

The work will involve the towns level crossing being temporarily closed for two months later this summer. 

A diversion will be put in place whilst the road is closed and for this reason, Network Rail is giving advance warning so that businesses and residents can be prepared for the changes and plan their journey allowing for any extra time needed.

The work will include the renewal of three miles of rail track which runs through Craven Arms station on the Welsh Marches Line between Newport and Shrewsbury. The new track will improve the reliability of services using the line.

The work which will take place close to the level crossing on Long Lane will mean that it is closed temporarily to make sure that the area is safe. When work isn’t taking place pedestrians will still be able to use the crossing but it will be closed to vehicles for the duration of the work, more details will be provided nearer the time. 

Long Lane will be closed to through traffic from the junction of A49/Shewsbury Road to the junction with Stokewood Road over the following dates:

• Monday 5th July to Friday 9th July –  this will be during work installing cabling ahead of the track work.
• Monday 17th September to Monday 22nd November – Network Rail and Shropshire Council will be working together to create a diversion using Clun Road and Watling Street for smaller vehicles. Larger vehicles will be diverted to A49, A4113, B4385 and B4368

Signs will be put in place, and key information will also be publicised to help.

Preparation work for the core work will take place over four weekends during September and October some of which has already started at the site behind the business park at the end of Callow Hill Road.

Network Rail Project Manager, Andrew Hayward, said: “This vital work is to replace the section of railway that guides trains from one track to another, as the current equipment is nearing the end of its life. It will also upgrade the signalling system at the level crossing to improve safety. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience we cause and will do all that we can to keep disruption to a minimum.”

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for highways, said: “We appreciate that this work will cause disruption while the road is closed, and we want to minimise any inconvenience caused. We’re working closely with Network Rail to ensure that local people and businesses are aware of the work, and to ensure that appropriate diversion routes and traffic management measures are in place whilst work is being carried out.”

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