Safety improvements and work to ease traffic flow at a busy Leicestershire junction, including the installation of four-way traffic lights, will begin on Monday 2 February.
The crossroads where the B591 meets Charley Road near Copt Oak is set for major changes, following rising traffic levels and safety concerns.
Leicestershire County Council’s Annual Road Safety Report identified the junction as a priority site for improvement, following a review of the number of accidents. Drivers have reported frequent problems with vehicles failing to give way, which has led to collisions and hold-ups.
While earlier improvements helped reduce incidents, ongoing accidents and increasing traffic volumes mean further action is needed to help keep all road users safer.
After exploring a range of options, the council concluded the most effective solution was to install traffic lights on all four roads at the crossroads, improve signs and add street lighting. These changes should make driving through the junction easier and safer.
We have reviewed collision statistics and conducted detailed observations at this junction. Installing traffic signals will enable controlled and safer turning manoeuvres from all arms of the junction.
We would like to thank motorists and residents for their patience during these essential works, which are expected to deliver long-term improvements for all road users.
Person:Councillor Adam Tilbury, cabinet member for highways and transport
Work will take around eight weeks to complete and drivers should expect some delays while it’s carried out. Once complete, journeys may take slightly longer at peak times, but the improvements will help manage traffic more effectively as volumes continue to rise.
Funding for the scheme has been secured through the council’s capital budget.