IMPROVEMENTS are finally being made to a dangerous Barnsley crossroads after a long-running campaign by worried locals.
In one of the most recent acidents at Hazlehead crossroads on the A616, a man was left with life-changing injuries followinga two-car collision in October.
Despite campaigners’ calls for a speed limit reduction on the road which has been blighted by crashes in recent years - including the deaths of father and son Christopher and Mackenzie Mellor in 2019 - their calls were not answered.
However, Miriam Cates, MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, expressed her delight last week after works to improve the safety of the Hazelhead crossroads began.
She said: “Over recent months residents have raised concerns with me about the dangers the junction poses, and in October I wrote to Barnsley Council’s head of highways in support of the long term campaign for improved safety measures.
“Following the briefing and review of the road by the council, the decision was made to progress with a number of safety recommendations.”
Improvements include the installation of ‘SLOW’ markings on the carroageway, more visible signage and also the removal obstructive vegetation.
The MP added: “The crossroads have been the site of multiple road traffic accidents in recent years, and this work will help to give road users the more advanced warning they need when approaching the junction.
“I look forward to seeing the completed project, and will keep residents updated on its progress.”
Coun Hannah Kitching, leader of the Liberal Democrats in Barnsley, told the Chronicle she was pleased the work had ‘finally’ started - but insists she’ll continue to put pressure on Barnsley Council if the measures aren’t enough.
“We’ve been waiting on these measures for a really long time,” she said.
“It’s not just been waiting for the council to do something, but we’ve been waiting since October and we were promised them in March but I’m really pleased now it’s happened.
“Residents are concerned that the plans don’t go far enough.
“We just want to make sure that what’s being done is sufficient enough.”
