Work starts in October to resurface, drain and re-mark three key A roads forming the ‘Shropshire Triangle’ on the England-Wales border. National Highways has allocated £30 million to this programme running until 2028.
The Shropshire Triangle covers the A5, A483 and A458, which link the Midlands, North Wales and the North West. These roads are vital for local communities, businesses and visitors, carrying a significant volume of traffic.
Resurfacing, drainage and safety repairs
Over the course of the programme, 77 lane kilometres will be resurfaced. This measurement reflects the total length of resurfacing for individual lanes, rather than just the carriageway length. In addition, 26,500 metres of drainage will be repaired or replaced to improve water run-off and reduce flooding risks.
Safety barriers will be renewed over 160 metres, and 8,688 road studs will be replaced. Road markings will be repainted over 144,531 metres to improve visibility and compliance.
Phased work to reduce disruption
The A458 scheme from Shrewsbury to the Welsh border will begin on 5 October. This route sees heavy holiday traffic and parts of the surface have deteriorated. Work will mainly take place overnight to minimise impact, with completion expected by March.
The resurfacing includes laying high friction surfacing, which supports vehicle control by reducing skidding, especially in wet conditions.
The largest scheme is on the A5 between Chirk and Preston, starting January 2027. This scheme will run into spring 2028 and be carried out in phases. Alongside resurfacing and drainage repairs, maintenance such as bridge joint repairs and replacement of traffic loops that control signals will be carried out. Vegetation management will include removal of trees affected by ash dieback.
Traffic signals at the A5 Dobbies Roundabout will also be replaced.
A483 improvements and future schemes
On the A483 from Oswestry to the Welsh border, work planned for 2027-28 includes resurfacing, concrete barrier repairs and drainage renewal, with an estimated duration of eight months.
Additional investigations are underway to improve safety at the A483 Llynclys crossroads and to upgrade roundabouts on the A5 at Oswestry.
Local authority and MP views
David Vasmer, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways and waste, said the investment supports the council’s priorities to improve and make roads safer.
Helen Morgan, MP for North Shropshire, welcomed the commitment while acknowledging that disruption will be unavoidable. She continues to advocate for a safety-improving roundabout at the dangerous A483 Llynclys crossroads.
What this means for road users
The programme aims to extend the lifespan of roads that are around 60 years old, supporting safe, reliable journeys and future growth in the region.
Night works and phased schedules are designed to reduce disruption, but users should expect temporary delays during the improvement works.
Updates and further details are available on National Highways’ dedicated Shropshire Triangle webpage.
