UPDATED: Hodnet Bypass to be closed but when?

A53 Closure 2017

Update 14 June: The sign below has been displayed on the A53 in the last few weeks. It reads:

Surface Dressing Works

This road will be closed for short periods during the next 2O days

Due to these works being weather dependant we are unable to provide exact dates

[Can you spot the spelling mistake?]

So it looks like the Shropshire Star got it wrong (see below) and the work will start before the end of this month. However no date is available for when the road will be closed.


A number of reports are circulating that the A53, Hodnet bypass, is going to be closed in the near future for resurfacing work. The one thing these reports disagree about is when it will be closed.
A53 Closure 2017On Friday, 12 May Shropshire Council circulated an email announcing that the A53 Hodnet bypass, A442 junction to Tern Hill crossroad was to be closed from Tuesday 20 June 2017. It states the closure will last for 2 nights and 3 days (20/06/17 and 02/07/17 21:30-04:00, 22/06/17-24/06/17 09:30-16:00). During this time a signed diversion will be in place using the A41 & A49 – click the image to the right to download a PDF copy of the map.
The reason given for the closure is to allow “surface dressing to include stud removal and reinstatement”.
The Council’s website also has a page which details its Surface dressing 2017 programme. It says that 166 sites have been identified for treatment across the county and provides this list of locations and planned closure dates (PDF). Two local sections of the A53 are included in the schedule. These are:

  • A53 Hodnet Bypass – Road Closure starting (weather permitting) on Thursday 22 June 17 @ 8:00am, with working hours of 9:30am to 4:00pm.
  • A53 Hopton farm to Espley Island – Road Closure starting (weather permitting) on Monday 26 June 17 @ 8:00am, with working hours of 9:30am to 4:00pm.

One other location on the A53 is listed which is Bings Heath to Shawbury from 26 June 17. Here the road will not be closed but traffic will be managed by Stop & Go Boards / Convoys.
Thirdly, on 10 May the Shropshire Star published a report announcing A53 to close near Market Drayton for works. This report states, “The A53 will be closed from July 31 to September 3 in Tern Hill near Market Drayton for surface dressing.” [Emphasis added] This author is not convinced by the report in the Star, given that both Council communications mention dates in late June and all the Surface Dressing work is described as taking place between 12 June and mid/late August. However, I recommend that residents keep an eye out for diversion sings being put out in the area.
If we receive clarification we will of course post an update.