Installing part-time traffic signals at Woodmill Bridge will cost £250,000, we understand. And drivers who use the bridge are being warned to “prepare for delays” during the work next month.
Photo from our archive, taken during a previous diversion

 

A council spokesperson said cash has been allocated from this year’s transport budget after the authority had “been able to demonstrate that there is a viable solution to manage vehicle queues [on] the approaches to the Bridge”.

As reported (Dec 14), traffic lights are finally set to be installed following a ‘should we or shouldn’t we’ debate that’s been rumbling on for years.

Works are now planned to run over two weeks from Monday, January 6 until Sunday, January 19. The bridge will be closed to traffic, with a diversion via Cobden Bridge.

Why not during school holidays?

But some have questioned why work can’t take place during school holidays, when there are fewer cars on the road.

On Twitter, Nikki Rimmer said: “Whilst I appreciate roadworks have to be done, why is this work not being planned in during the school holidays? This is going to massively affect local residents getting to work and the two local schools on time.”

A council spokesperson said installation couldn’t take place during half term because “there are other major road schemes planned throughout next year that would conflict with the works at Woodmill Bridge”.

“January was the only available window to deliver the scheme without any such conflicts. We have therefore programmed the works to take place at this time in order to manage network pressures in an efficient manner,” they added.

Councillor Jacqui Rayment, deputy council leader and cabinet member for place and transport, on Monday advised residents and commuters to “prepare for delays” as work goes ahead.

“We are aware that traffic levels at Woodmill Bridge continue to be a cause for concern for road users,” she said.

Plan ahead

“We’re now pleased to be delivering on public feedback, which highlighted traffic signals as the most appropriate measure to address these concerns and better manage queues during peak periods at the site.

“We advise residents and commuters to prepare for delays and plan your journeys ahead while we carry out these works. We will be working weekdays and weekends between 7am and 5pm and doing all that we can to minimise disruption during this time.”

Signals are set to be tested, and then switched on during February half term.

Previously
New traffic lights for Woodmill Bridge to be switched on during half term
‘No costings’ for Woodmill traffic signal scheme - Oct 2018
New traffic light proposal for Woodmill - Oct 2018
Woodmill Waiting - blast from the past from 2006, written by the late Dr Ian Thomas