CONGESTION snag points on Barnsley’s road network will be targeted in a bid to allay motorists’ concerns with time-consuming traffic.
A survey - launched by Barnsley Council - aims to find out what local residents and businesses think are the priorities for tackling traffic congestion.
Open until the end of July, road users have been urged to help shape a raft of work which has been pencilled in to reduce journey times and in turn boost air quality.
It comes after a raft of work was completed to reduce congestion at Penny Pie Park, off junction 37 of the M1, while major layout changes are also planned for Old Mill Lane.
Barnsley Hospital - long brought up as a congestion hotspot by councillors - is also expected to feature heavily.
Coun James Higginbottom, cabinet spokesperson for environment and transport, said: “We’re working hard to make sure people can get around in Barnsley easier than ever, with an increase in cycle routes and better connections across the borough.
“Reducing congestion is an important part of meeting our priorities for a growing and sustainable Barnsley.
“Less congestion and fewer delays will help us attract even more jobs to Barnsley, while reducing the amount of time traffic is idling at junctions reduces vehicle emissions and helps improve air quality.
“We’d really like to hear local people’s priorities, and where you think we should invest in improvements to tackle congestion.
“We already have lots of information collected through sensors and traffic modelling.
However, local people’s real-world experiences are an important part of helping us understand the issues they face.”
Senior highways officers have proposed improvements at more than 50 locations in Barnsley, meaning work will be carried out in each of the 21 wards.
The highway network is the most valuable asset the council owns.
The total cost to replace it in full is estimated at £2.1bn including carriageways, bridges and all other highway structures.
According to the council, the proposed programme for the coming financial year continues the ‘prevention is better than the cure’ approach in balancing structural, preventative, and reactive maintenance to improve the resilience of the highway.
Coun Higginbottom added: “We’re proud to announce a substantial investment into our highway network through this year’s budget.
“The extra £2m will be used to repair over 50 locations across the borough - with over £20m invested into the network this year.
“Over the next three years, we’re delivering significant investment right across the borough; fixing our roads, investing in our communities, unlocking economic opportunities.
“Please visit barnsley.gov.uk/transportprojects and take part in the survey.
“People can also fill in the survey online at any of our libraries, where paper copies will also be available on request.”
