SIGNIFICANT work to repair some of Barnsley’s worst roads is set to pick up pace after the council brought forward a £20m investment - and bosses have warned of ‘extensive roadworks’ across the town.
This year’s capital programme has been accelerated by Barnsley Council’s highways department to improve the road infrastructure - to ensure the network is in a better state than it was last winter.
Council bosses claimed that the ‘harsh’ winter last year was the cause of many of the worst roads across the town.
In response to that, the £20m investment will now be used to complete a significant amount of work in the next six months.
Coun Sir Steve Houghton, leader of the council, said: “It’s very important to me that we keep our roads and infrastructure in good condition for our residents and businesses as we all rely on these for everyday travel and to support our economy.
“By accelerating our maintenance and repair efforts with this substantial £20m investment, we are demonstrating our dedication to providing safe and accessible roads for all.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their patience and cooperation during this time, as we work together to improve our transport links and help our borough thrive.”
Improvements in aspects of road safety and easing congestion are some of the new programmes set to be implemented.
Existing road surface is recycled after being removed, and kerbstones and old street lighting columns can be crushed to produce material which can be used in other construction works.
This supports the council’s work towards a more sustainable carbon net-zero borough by 2045.
The Principal Roads and Side Streets Investment Programme also supports the council’s Principal Towns and Local Village Centres Investment Programme to help local high streets thrive.
The accelerated investment will cover all 21 wards within the borough, with extensive roadworks and enhancements planned over the next six months.
The council say that residents can expect visible progress as the council strives to deliver ‘lasting improvements’ to the road network ahead of schedule.
Coun James Higginbottom, cabinet spokesperson for environment and highways, added that the increased roadworks may cause inconvenience in the coming weeks - but that the work is ‘necessary’.
He added: “We are committed to investing into our highways network with a total planned investment in excess of £20m for 2023/24.
“What is more, we are accelerating the speed at which we deliver that repairs programme, aiming to complete the majority of works before next winter starts to bite.
“We recognise that increased road maintenance may cause some inconvenience to local people and businesses across Barnsley but that is necessary to ensure we repair and maintain our roads.
“This substantial investment into our highway network will fix our roads, invest in our communities and unlock future economic opportunities for the people and communities of Barnsley.”
