New road safety measures on way at Upton Crossroads on the A464 in Shifnal
Upton Crossroads, on the A464 Shifnal to Wolverhampton road, is to undergo a number of permanent road safety measures to try and combat the accidents that have occurred in recent years.
Shropshire Council is currently trialling four-way temporary traffic lights at the location just south of Shifnal with the aim of preventing collisions between the A464 traffic with vehicles joining from both Upton Lane and the lane linking Stanton Road with the A464.
It is anticipated that new traffic signals will be installed early 2017 and a permanent full-time traffic signal scheme is currently being designed.
The new scheme will use improved technology plus equipment that is able to more accurately detect traffic as it approaches the crossroads. It will determine the most efficient way for traffic to use the junction whilst keeping delays to a minimum and enhancing junction safety for all road users.
Although there have been no accidents since the trial began in April 2016, the temporary traffic lights have brought problems and frustration. The equipment uses very limited technology that provides a green light to all arms of the crossroads in sequence whether there is a vehicle waiting or not.
Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways and transport, said:
“Unfortunately, some motorists have shown their impatience by continuing to travel through the lights after they have changed to a red signal, putting themselves and others in danger. This has the added effect of triggering a safety mechanism with the lights that switches all four signals to red which creates further delays and frustration to drivers.”
Stuart West, Shropshire Councillor for Shifnal south and Cosford, said:
“I am extremely pleased that at last we a scheme which should reduce accidents at this dangerous crossroads, something I have been trying to resolve for years. This hi-tech traffic light system will give priority to traffic on the A464 , which will eliminate the hold- ups which have been experienced with the temporary lights.”
