Improvements at accident blackspot

A Bulwell accident blackspot will be tackled in the final stages of a three year programme of road safety improvements.

The junction where High Road meets Main Street in the town centre will be upgraded after 18 accidents in seven years with 10 due to traffic turning right from Main Street (south) into Main Street (north).

Here a new dedicated right turn signal will be introduced to make this junction safer for all road users as well as a full traffic signal upgrade.

Work is already underway and is expected to last seven weeks as part of a Nottingham City Council scheme for Bulwell and Bulwell Forest.

The existing pelican crossing near the pharmacy and Riverside centre will also be upgraded to a puffin crossing.

“While these works are underway we would advise all road users who use this junction to consider alternative routes or to follow the diversion route which will be sign posted throughout the nearby area,” said Paul Williams of Nottingham City Council.

“We will do all we can to minimise disruption and apologise for any inconvenience the works may cause.”

Coun Jane Urquhart, Nottingham City Council’s portfolio holder for planning and transport, said the work was vitally important,

She said: “The improvement of this junction is of great importance to ensure that all our road users are safe.

“This is a small but significant part of our multi-million pound transport investments throughout the city.

“We would like to thank people for their continued patience while works continue on our roads.”

The works have been welcomed by the townsfolk who agreed that something should be done to improve the safety for both drivers and pedestrians in the area.

“This is a very busy road ,” said manageress of the Moon and Stars pub which overlooks the junction, Susan Howcroft. “I have noticed that the junction has been monitored for some time so it is good that the counci are finally doing something about it.”

Taxi driver, David Millington who works for Central Cars agreed.

He said: “There has been a lot of accidents at this spot and hopefully the right turn system will improve safety.

“It will also make it easier to get across into the centre of town without having to wait for a break in oncoming traffic.”

The crossing which is being altered currently has an island in the centre making pedestrians have to press and wait twice but will be altered to a through version.

“This will improve things especially for those using mobility scooters,” said a spokesman for Boots Pharmacy.