A606 pedestrian/cycle crossing
Residents in the Keyworth area will probably have seen a lot of work taking place at the junction of the A606 and Main Road (Plumtree). This is in connection with a new pedestrian and cycle path, to enable people to get across the busy A606 between Tollerton and Plumtree.
I sent a Freedom of Information request to Nottinghamshire County Council to enquire about the work being done, and received the following reply:
What is the work costing in total?
The scheme is expected to cost a total of £166,000. This includes:
- construction of a new signalled crossing, a new section of pavement between Main Road and Tollerton
Lane and a new crossing facility over Tollerton Lane at the Melton Road/Tollerton Lane lights
- design costs
- costs of statutory undertakers for moving equipment in the highway
- traffic management
Why was it decided to install only a pedestrian crossing and not a full traffic-light controlled junction or some other form (e.g. roundabout) of managing the traffic flow at this junction?
The County Council did examine the option of fully signalising the Melton Road/ Main Road junction, but it was expected that the cost would be well in excess of £250,000.
What is the reason for the additional posts which are appearing at the side of Main Road near the junction?
The posts are for the signs relating to the the new cycle facility. The sign faces will be put up nearer the end of the project, probably in late February.
What do you think? Is this is a good way of spending public money, or not? Do you think that spending £250,000 on a fully controlled junction would have been more cost-effective and better value for the County taxpayers? Please mail me if you wish to comment.
