Plans to extend the 24-hour closure of the B4361 Coronation Avenue in Ludlow for essential maintenance of Corve Culvert have been revised to minimise the impact of the work on Ludlow Food Festival (12-14 September).
It was announced this week that the closure would be in place until 18 September – rather than 2 September as originally planed. But, in response to local concerns, Shropshire Council has reviewed the work schedule. As a result, the current intention is to fully reopen Coronation Avenue by 12 September, or at a minimum, have two-way traffic signals operational to support the Food Festival.
David Vasmer, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways, said:
“Following concerns about the extension of this work and its potential impact on Ludlow Food Festival I’m pleased that we have been able to agree these new arrangements to help minimise disruption.”
Andy Boddington, Shropshire Councillor for Ludlow North, said:
“This new schedule of works is very welcome. It means that the flow of vehicles and pedestrians will be unimpeded during Ludlow Food Festival. The festival is our town’s signature event. We want people to be able to arrive and leave with ease, so they can have a great day out in our historic town. I’d like to thank council officers and our contractors for bringing the work forward.”
The work involves concrete repairs to the soffit and deck of the culvert, the construction of a new concrete slab with a waterproof layer to increase the durability of the structure, drainage, and surfacing works.
Work began on 28 July [2025] and was originally due to end on 2 September. However, it has been delayed due to the presence of a cast iron gas duct which was lower than originally expected – and prevented the pouring of the remaining section of the concrete slab. This duct was found to be disused and has now been removed, with the works now continuing.
