Warnings issued over A590 roundabout plan
Last updated at 16:55, Wednesday, 10 October 2012
THE long-awaited announcement that the Greenodd roundabout will go ahead has been welcomed by a local MP – but he also warned against celebrating too soon.
Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock said “lives will be saved” by the roundabout at the accident blackspot along the A590.
However, in a letter sent to local residents, he added that given the difficult journey getting to the stage where full funding for the development was announced this week, he will continue to keep an eye on the situation.
He wrote: “I know that many of you have played a part – both directly and indirectly – in the long campaign that finally persuaded the government to act.
“You are a credit to this community and I ask you to accept my personal thanks and appreciation for all your steadfast campaigning. Lives will be saved because of your efforts.”
On Monday the Highways Agency announced it had allocated £2.2m to build a roundabout at the junction on the A590, with work due to begin in 2013.
Mr Woodcock added: “We can now look forward to an announcement from the Highways Agency which will signal a start date for the construction work.
“But given the many false dawns of the past, I know we will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep the celebrations in check until we see the JCBs moving in.”
Meanwhile, at a meeting on Monday, Ulverston town councillors welcomed the announcement but warned that the Furness economy depends upon efficient transport of goods along the road.
At a meeting with the roads minister Stephen Hammond last week, other plans to improve safety on the road – including speed restrictions – were discussed.
Town mayor Brenda Marr said: “The A590 is our main artery and we need to keep this road running at a reasonable speed. We have to be very careful to balance both things.”
The roundabout, which will feature two entry lanes from the A5092, is due to be completed in 2013.
First published at 16:40, Wednesday, 10 October 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
As the old road safety ad used to say, "It's better to arrive late, than to arrive 'DEAD', on time".
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I agree totally with RH. Point put across very well.
Posted by Jimmy Foodlaw on 13 October 2012 at 20:41