6 August 2007:   EXPERIMENTAL traffic signal arrangements to manage traffic at the busy Stockwell Road Railway Bridge in Knaresborough are to be made permanent in the next few weeks before children return to school after the summer holidays.  This experimental arrangement has reduced accident potential without creating significant delays for motorists using the route and has found favour with local residents.

 

Traffic lights at the junction of St Margaret's Road will not be included in this road safety scheme.  Although the council had included it in the consultation at the request of some residents, the response confirmed that this option was not supported by a majority of the residents who would be affected by the proposal.

 

Councillor Don Mackenzie, Cabinet Member for Planning and Transport, said: ''We did carry out a much wider consultation on the possibility of introducing a one way system covering the whole of Stockwell Road about two years ago but the proposal was overwhelmingly rejected by residents and was not supported by the fire and ambulance services who were concerned that it would increase response times.

 

"The proposed scheme will significantly reduce accident potential on the approaches to the bridge and allow us to introduce improved facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.''

 

Network Rail are currently carrying out detailed investigations on the bridge structure but it is likely that work on the scheme will begin on 20 August and last approximately three weeks.  The works have been programmed to avoid the FEVA activities in the town.

 

For safety reasons the bridge will be closed to traffic during the construction period and a diversionary route along Boroughbridge Road, High Street and Park Row will be in operation.  Pedestrian access to the bridge will remain available during the works.

 

The council apologises for any inconvenience these arrangements will cause but staff will be working with the contractors to ensure that the works are completed quickly and with the minimum of disruption to residents.

 

The scheme is mainly being funded by monies made available for highway improvements by the developer of the former hospital site as a condition of the planning approval for the adjacent site.  ENDS