Welsh Bridge blog: part two

Part two of local photo journalist Richard Bishop's blog keeping us updated on the roadworks at Welsh Bridge...

Work started today on the Victoria Quay entrance onto the Welsh Bridge and the project is already a week ahead of schedule! Its not surprising the way the workforce were going at it last week, completing the pavement section from the Welsh Bridge along Smithfield Road.

They are now busy excavating the road to make way for a much wider path/cycle way and a new traffic light controlled crossing. Navigating the road in the area was a bit awkward last week on foot so 'shepherds' were brought in to assist people. They are still there today and, although it takes a bit of care, the pedestrians I spoke to didn't seem to mind the bother when they understood what was going on. Any initiative that promotes a fun, healthy lifestyle can't be bad.

cutting-paving-slabs-2 pavement-under-construction-1 pavement-under-construction-2

Those of us who do it know its great to be able to pop into town on the bike. There are no parking fees, no time constraints and you get a bit of exercise. It's not until you cycle around the place that you fully realise how much has been done with regard to cycle tracks already.

Having spent a bit of time around the site area I notice how most drivers apply caution when manoeuvring around the workforce and pedestrians but there's always the one who seems oblivious to what's going on and doesn't even bother to control their speed.

simon-beedles I met Simon Beedles who cycles into town taking advantage of the cycle tracks wherever possible and he rides along the Quarry riverbank in the coaching rowing crews. He thinks its great that there are going to be more cycle tracks in the town. He also says the present system along Smithfield Road of three lanes of motor vehicles can be dangerous and off-putting and doesn't encourage cyclists to use the route. In his opinion the new track will create a safer environment which will also have the benefit of taking in at a leisurely pace the excellent views of the river. He reckons that having to concentrate on the traffic means its easy to miss the natural beauty of England and Wales flowing into the town centre allowing the built environment to be softened by nature. Blimey, and thank-you for that, Simon.

tony-ashcroft I also spoke to an extremely fit and active Tony Ashcroft. His first visit to Shrewsbury many years ago was on a bike from Liverpool. As a cyclist he commends any expansion of cycle tracks around the town. As a motorist he thinks it will remove some of the hazards from the roads. He's been cycling for a long time now and although Tony doesn't have any fear himself, he does worry about some of the cyclists he sees on the roads.

peter-jones I had a word with Peter Jones and he thinks that anything to do with cycling and cycling tracks in Shrewsbury is the way forward. He's pleased to see the local authority are taking steps to improve things for cyclists and pedestrians. He thinks that negotiating this area on a bike can be a nightmare and looks forward to the day when we can cycle all over Britain without having to worry about the traffic.

The work seems to be attracting a lot of interest and not surprisingly the people I have spoke to have all given a positive reaction. However, I'm sure there are other viewpoints and I look forward over the coming weeks to hear some of them.

The next phase will be to work on a new centre refuge and that should be starting soon.