Information on Loughborough

Safety first at Hathern junctions

Posted on 22/07/2008

road safety

Drivers, pedestrians and cyclists are benefiting from £600,000 improvements on the A6 near Loughborough.

The scheme at Hathern has involved improving road conditions, making two junctions safer and putting in new pedestrian and cycle crossings.

The County Council recently took over responsibility for the 800m long section of the road from the Highways Agency. The road was in poor repair and technical surveys showed that it needed strengthening.

Long queues on the side roads waiting to turn onto the A6 also led to a higher than average number of accidents involving drivers turning right from the junctions of Zouch Rd (A6006) and Whatton Rd (B5324).

As well as laying a new road surface along the entire stretch, traffic signals have been installed on the two junctions incorporating two new ‘Toucan’ crossings. Traffic travelling along the A6 will now stop at the new traffic lights, allowing traffic turning right to do so more safely, reducing the risk of accidents.

 

Approaches to the new lights have been treated with anti-skid material and the new improved road surface generates lower levels of traffic noise.

The scheme was jointly constructed by Tarmac and Leicestershire County Council. This partnership has been used as a model for how similar schemes will be delivered in the future under the ‘Highways Works Alliance’ and helped pinpoint how the approach can save money.

Dr Kevin Feltham, the County Councils Cabinet Support Member for Highways, said: "We are delighted to launch our ongoing partnership with Tarmac on such a worthwhile scheme which improves safety for all road users – drivers, pedestrians and cyclists alike.”

Mike Elford, Tarmacs National Contracting Director for the Midlands, said: "Were really proud to be working on this project with Leicestershire. The scheme will help improve road safety and shows the benefits that the Highways Works Alliance can deliver for countys road users."