News Releases

A $1.6 (£1.3) million initiative to further improve power supplies for 43,000 properties in Shrewsbury, while also meeting future demand in the region, is about to begin.

Western Power Distribution (WPD), the electricity distributor for the region, is committed to investing in its network to further improve supply reliability and customer service levels.

Due to start in early March, the initiative involves replacing 33,000 volt overhead lines and moving some underground where they cross Emstrey roundabout on the main A5 Shrewsbury bypass.

Around 5km of power lines will be replaced, part of which will involve drilling underneath the roundabout. Overhead pylons and lines will be removed which will involve temporary closure of the area between Preston and Bayston Hill roundabouts (between 00:00 and 07:00 Sunday April 23). This will include closure of Thieves Lane, London Road (Emstrey) and Emstrey Bank towards Atcham.

Leslie Petford, WPD Team Manager explained: “This investment will help to safeguard electricity supplies for our customers in the region for years to come by further improving the infrastructure and security of our network.

“Our aim is to keep any disruption to an absolute minimum, and we’ve been working with Shropshire Council and Highways England to schedule our works so that we minimise any inconvenience.”

Work around Emstrey Island is expected to be completed by the end of April, and the rest of the project work by Spring 2018.