On Monday 7th March, the traffic signals at Hardwicke Circus will be switched off for a trial period of six months to see if traffic flows improve.
Cumbria County Council's local committee for Carlisle today agreed final proposals for this scheme. £15k has been allocated for new signs and street markings to help drivers follow the new road layout safely. The trial will be closely monitored and a safety audit will also be carried out.
The local committee will also look at Carlisle's roadworks programme for the next financial year. This work has been co-ordinated with United Utilities' water main renewal work to minimise traffic disruption. Some of the most significant include:
1. Re-surfacing work on A6 London Road south of Eastern Way one week in October
2. Re-surfacing work on A6 London Road/St Nicholas Gate for two - three weeks next February
3. Re-surfacing work on A69 Warwick Road at the end of July/early August for three weeks. Programmed for the school summer break for minimal disruption
4. Re-surfacing work on A7 Spencer Street. Work will start mid April for two to three weeks, one lane traffic only.
3. Nelson Bridge widening will start from 7th March and will continue through the summer. Work will not affect the highway until mid April.
United Utilities work includes
1. A7 Spencer Street, work ongoing for one more week
2. London road starting in April through to June
3. Warwick Road/Botcherby in advance of county council's re-surfacing work in July
Chairman of the local committee, councillor John Collier said:
"The lights were off at Hardwicke Circus after they were badly damaged by the recent floods. Many drivers felt that during that time traffic flowed better. The local committee have agreed to switch off the lights for a trail period to see if under normal circumstances this is the case. We will be monitoring the traffic flow regularly to see if it is working. We would also like feedback from drivers and I would urge people to ring the Highways Hotline to let us know what they think.
Since November we have been working more closely with utilities companies to programme streetworks sensitively. Traffic congestion and streetworks are serious issues and we take them seriously. There are more than 150 companies legally entitled to carry out streetworks without permission from local highways authorities such as Cumbria County Council. We will continue to work closely and co-operatively with all parties involved in an effort to minimise the inevitable disruption."
Anyone wanting to air their views about the trial system at Hardwicke Circus should contact the Highways Hotline on 0845 6096609.