Yahoo News Major works planned at Bargate junction during summer holidays
A key Grimsby road junction is to be made safer for motorists and pedestrians as essential works take place.
The works, to the junction of Bargate/Dudley Street and Deansgate/Church Lane, will prevent serious problems developing with the busy area in the future, and vitally improve it for people wanting to cross the roads. The scheme is being funded through the agreed Local Transport Plan with work being carried out during the warmer weather this year.
It will start this month when the schools are on holiday to reduce disruption at peak times, and is due to be complete in the autumn.
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The scheme will mean:
Safer crossing for pedestrians: There are currently no designated push button pedestrian crossings at Bargate junction, and people have found it quite challenging to cross the busy road. Push button controlled pedestrian crossing points will be put in on three arms of the junction and an island created to allow for a staggered crossing. These new measures will vastly improve safety for pedestrians at what is a very busy junction.
Ensuring service for years to come: All traffic signals will be replaced. The current signals have reached the end of their serviceable life – they are 37-years-old, significantly beyond the manufacturers recommended lifespan of 15 years. There are an increasing number of faults reported and replacement parts are no longer available. It is essential to replace the signals now to prevent future problems at the junction, which if left until further faults appear could mean significant and lengthy unplanned delays across the town.
Deansgate Bridge: Whilst the traffic management for the Bargate scheme is in place, works will be completed on Deansgate Bridge. The bridge, like any other such structure, requires regular inspection and repair to ensure it remains safe and to preserve its well-known features. Essential works will be completed to the parapets, and carrying out these repairs at the same time as the Bargate junction works will prevent future disruption.
Managing local disruptions throughout the improvements: To make sure that access is still available through the junction, there will be temporary traffic lights in operation whilst the works take place. This will mean motorists will still have access to the main roads in both directions. Overnight road closures from 7pm until early morning across the main junction areas will only be needed for resurfacing towards the end of the scheme.
A spokesperson for NELC said: "North East Lincolnshire Council and its delivery partner Equans fully appreciates the added issues for motorists that these works will cause as the Corporation Road Bridge works and the A180 scheme continue. However, for the reasons above this scheme has to take place this summer – any earlier was impossible due to the recent utility works that were required before this work started.
"As reported, the other two bridge schemes taking place in Grimsby are also vital to ensure the structures are safe for the tens of thousands of vehicles that cross them every year. Deadlines on the use of grant funding that has supported the A180 bridges work, and completely unforeseen delays with the Grade II Listed Corporation Bridge works have seen these schemes taking place together."
To keep up to date with details of the Bargate works, along with a full question and answer sheet, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/bargate
Anybody who has any questions should email: bargate@nelincs.gov.uk
