1 April 2021 | Flockton Bypass

A message from Cllr. Richard Smith (29 April 2021)

Upgrade work is about to commence to the footpath on [A637] Barnsley Road. Further details below regarding the areas affected and timescales. Whilst this will involve some temporary inconvenience, once completed this will be a massive improvement. Businesses and residents will receive letters shortly from Kirklees. Sharing this information as early warning, which I hope is useful.

The area of work is from the entrance to Grange Moor Coachworks to just beyond the junction of Haigh Lane.

The work is due to start on Monday 17th May 2021 and will last for approximately 7 weeks, weather conditions permitting. Kirklees will be removing vegetation and resurfacing the footways, replacing some of the kerbs and undertaking some localised drainage improvements.

The main disruption to residents and other road users will be in the form of 2-way temporary traffic signals required to control traffic safely past the work areas. The signals will be operating on restricted hours between 09:30 and 15:00 Monday to Friday in order to minimise disruption as much as possible. A temporary traffic regulation order (TTRO) will also be in place to reduce the speed limit down from 50mph to 30mph. Scheme information boards will also be placed at the extents of the site, informing other road users about the works.

Reported in The Yorkshire Post, under the heading: Coroner asks for change to 'four deaths before action' rule to make improvements to road where young mother Danielle Broadhead, 33, was killed

Highways chiefs in Kirklees have been urged to abandon restrictive rules that determine when safety measures can be introduced on danger roads.

(Please note the photo isn't showing the accident bend)

In a reply to Flockton Bypass campaigner, David Rawling, Councillor Martyn Bolt said:

"Kirklees see it differently I was told "I have now spoken with XXXXXXXX and can confirm that on this occasion the Coroner has asked the Council, as the Highway Authority, to consider action specific to the related accident and its location. I have been informed that the report makes no reference to current Council practices / policies with regards to our approach to highways safety. With this in mind each location will continue to be considered based on a number of factors, which will include history of accidents before deciding what works, if any, need to be undertaken to allow us the best use of finite budgets and resources. ""

You can see links to all articles on this subject in our 'accidents' section, here.

Month: April 2021

A Footway Improvement Scheme

Coroner – 'four deaths before action'