Lights are on at Telford roundabout but commuters still groan
Despite new “intelligent” traffic lights that can alter their timings dependent on the flow of traffic, commuters in Telford are still being brought to a standstill.
The traffic lights will now remain on for a minimum of three weeks while Telford & Wrekin Council decide whether they are more efficient than letting the traffic flow naturally.
If they prove to move traffic along in a quicker and safer manner, they will remain on.
The council will also take into account the movements of pedestrians when making their decision.
The roundabout, which is near to Telford College of Art and Technology, is on one of the main roads into the town from the M54.
Work to improve Ketley Brook roundabout in Telford is now complete under a £17.4 million scheme to add extra lanes at several junctions in Telford & Wrekin borough.
They have also installed MOVA signals which respond automatically to changes in traffic flow using sensors fitted in the road.
Russell Griffin of Telford & Wrekin Council said: “The traffic lights on Ketley Brook roundabout were activated on Monday morning for a minimum period of three weeks.
“This will allow engineers to gather some data on the operation of the signals and enable them to compare traffic flows with the last few weeks when the signals have not been live.
“This will also be reviewed in relation to safety and pedestrian access.
“A decision will then be taken on the future operation of the lights.
“Ketley Brook roundabout is one of six key gateways across the borough that has had its capacity increased to allow for anticipated future growth.”
The traffic lights were given their first challenge when a lorry broke down nearby.
But despite the potential for disruption, bosses said that the lights reacted to move traffic through as quickly and safely as possible. Mr Griffin said: “Delays in the Ketley Brook area yesterday were caused by a broken down lorry however the new intelligent traffic lights were able to clear the traffic quickly in order to minimise the disruption.”
The improvements are part of the wider £17.4 million Telford Growth Point Package, which has already seen work begin at Shawbirch Roundabout, Limekiln roundabout in Priorslee, Clocktower roundabout in Donnington, Trench Lock roundabout, at M54 junction 4, Rampart Way and the extension of the Hortonwood business park.
About £13.9m of this funding has been provided through the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership Local Growth Fund Deal.
The remaining funding will be provided through Section 106 contributions secured from new housing and employment developments.
Elsewhere in Telford, there will be further closures on the Randlay Interchange, off the A442.
Mr Griffin said: “The Randlay night time closures started earlier this week and will be in place until Friday. This is the entire interchange.
“Next week, both bridge decks will be closed and the A442 underneath from Monday to Friday.
“The following week, Randlay Interchange will be closed in its entirety Monday to Friday. All of these closures are night time commencing at 8pm and reopening no later than 6am.”
