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2. The A5/A483 Route Management Strategy
Public consultation on the RMS was carried out during June and July 2003 at Chirk, Oswestry, Nesscliffe, and Shrewsbury along with other venues related to the A458 and A483 south of Oswestry. Statutory Consultees and Stakeholder Groups were also consulted. The aim of the consultation was to highlight the functions of the routes and issues along them, and to assist in developing a strategy to maintain and enhance the route's functions.
The issues identified for the A5/A483 during consultation in descending order of concern reflected in the number of responses were:
- Accidents and safety issues
- Noise pollution
- Speed of traffic
- Junction layouts, including concern about Shottaton and Queen's Head junctions
- Poor facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians
- Restricted overtaking opportunities on single carriageway sections
- Right turning vehicle conflicts
- Congestion, particularly at Mile End Roundabout, Oswestry
- Poor road alignment, and the need for dualling over the whole route.
- Inadequate infrastructure to support regeneration
- Standards of lay-bys and rest area facilities
- Delays caused by collisions and maintenance
- Poor bus stop facilities
- Freight and passengers should use the Shrewsbury - Chester railway line
In drawing up the Route Outcomes for the A5/A483, it was necessary to analyse the types of journey undertaken on the route, the relationship between the A5/A483 and other parts of the national and local road network, and the effects of the route on regional economic and land use plans. From this, twelve Route Functions were identified (see Table 1 below) which were assessed against factors that may affect route performance such as personal injury collisions, congestion and limited safe overtaking opportunities. These helped to identify the key issues along the route.
| Function No. | Existing A5/A483 Route Functions |
|---|---|
| F1 | The route is a key element in the strategic north-south link for Wales |
| F2 | It forms part of the Trans European Network route between Felixstowe and Holyhead, linking Continental Europe with the Republic of Ireland |
| F3 | It is a key link between the West Midlands, North Wales, Mid Wales and The Wirral for both tourist and freight traffic |
| F4 | It is recognised as a core route in the Transport Framework for Wales |
| F5 | The route carries significant levels of commuter traffic particularly serving Chester, The Wirral, Shrewsbury and Telford |
| F6 | It provides the road infrastructure to serve public transport in the surrounding towns and villages |
| F7 | The route provides a bypass of the settlements of Shrewsbury, Nesscliffe, Oswestry and Wrexham |
| F8 | The route is the principal transport infrastructure serving local businesses, agriculture, schools, tourism, leisure activities and farming |
| F9 | The southern A5 section provides access for agricultural vehicles and livestock |
| F10 | It forms part of the Highways Agency's landscape and biodiversity corridor and the Welsh Assembly Government's Trunk Road Biodiversity Action Plan |
The Route Outcomes also needed to take account of future planning aspirations for the A45/A483 route to ensure that the impact of development does not compromise the route's functions and objectives, particularly through increased congestion. Wherever possible, contributions from developers will be used to improve the route's functions.
