Start date named for A590 Greenodd Bends safety improvements
HIGHWAYS AGENCY News Release (HA/NW/227/05) issued by the Government News Network on 15 November 2005
Work on a £45,000 scheme to improve safety along the A590 at Greenodd Bends in Cumbria will start on Monday 21 November and last for a maximum of four weeks.
Improvements to the A590 between the junction with the A5092 and the Bouth Toll Bar junction are being made to reduce accidents on this winding stretch of road..
The work includes:
- Provision of hazard marker posts at some bends.
- Red surfacing and the word "SLOW".
- New direction signs and road markings at Bouth Toll Bar junction.
- New road markings to improve their visibility in wet conditions at night.
- Replacement of solar-powered road studs with conventional ones.
Work will go ahead 24 hours a day in order to complete the scheme as soon as possible and minimise further disruption for drivers. Through the works traffic will be restricted to one lane, using temporary traffic signal control though this will be lifted at peak times from 07.30 to 09.00 and 16.00 to 19.00.. A temporary 40mph speed limit will also be in force for the safety of road users and the workforce.
Highways Agency project manager Peter Hamer said:
"This is part of a package of measures we are taking to improve safety on the A590 in the area around Greenodd.
"These changes will help drivers to negotiate Greenodd bends safely. We are also still consulting on proposed improvements to the junction of the A590 and A5092, which we hope to introduce in the near future.
"We ask drivers to be patient and obey both the temporary speed limit and traffic signals while this important work goes ahead. We are doing everything possible to finish it quickly, though at this time of year weather conditions can hamper us."
The Highways Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Transport. It manages, maintains and improves England's motorways and trunk roads on behalf of the Secretary of State.
2. The Highways Agency traffic information website is at www.highways.gov.uk/trafficinfo.
3. For real-time traffic information, the Highways Agency 24-hour voice activated telephone service is on 08700 660 115. (Calls from BT landlines to 0870 numbers will cost no more than 8p per minute; mobile calls usually cost more )
4. For general information about the Highways Agency and its work, visit the Highways Agency website www.highways.gov.uk , or telephone the Highways Agency information line on 08457 50 40 30 (Calls from BT landlines to 0845 numbers will cost no more than 4p per minute; mobile calls usually cost more. Service operates: 08.00 - 20.00 weekdays, 09.00 - 17.00 weekends).
Stay safe on the roads this winter Winter weather makes driving dangerous - but you can stay safer by following six important messages from the Highways Agency and the Department for Transport's Think road safety campaign:
1. In winter, our weather can change quickly. If there is severe weather don't travel unless your journey is essential. If you must drive, always be prepared for bad weather.
2. Plan your journey before you go. Check your route for delays and check the weather forecast. While you are driving listen to travel news on the radio. Information about current road conditions is on the Highways Agency's website http://www.highways.gov.uk/trafficinfo/ .
3. In case you get stuck, keep these things in your car:
Þ Warm clothes
Þ Food and water
Þ Boots
Þ De-icer
Þ Torch
Þ Spade
4. Take care around gritters and vehicles that clear snow. Only overtake them if you can do so safely and without going on to uncleared snow.
5. It can take ten times longer to stop when it is icy, so allow more room to slow down and stop.
6. To avoid losing control of your car because of wheel spin, use the highest gear that you can. Avoid sudden braking, acceleration and sharp turns.
Remember that tiredness kills. Take regular breaks from driving.
Issued on behalf of the Highways Agency by Barbara Philips, GNN North West.
For enquiries from the media, journalists and researchers only, the Highways Agency's press officers can be contacted at 0161 952 4506.
Media enquiries out of hours can be made to 0207 081 7443. All other enquiries about the Highways Agency, its role and responsibilities, should be made through the Highways Agency Information Line on 08457 50 40 30.
