Council makes decision on temporary lights in Devonshire Road after trial

The temporary traffic lights will remain under the railway bridge in Devonshire Road, the council confirmed.
Work on the bridge in Devonshire Road is now underwayWork on the bridge in Devonshire Road is now underway
Work on the bridge in Devonshire Road is now underway

They were trialled for two weeks after nearby traders hit out at the authority’s original plan of closing the road to southbound traffic, saying it would affect business.

Following a meeting, roads boss Coun Fred Jackson said: “As promised, we have been monitoring the traffic management set up to determine if the temporary lights are working.

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“Delays are shorter than we expected and drivers have now adjusted to the lights being in place, and are waiting patiently or finding alternative routes.

“We have therefore decided to keep the temporary lights in place.

“We will continue to assess the set up and thank motorists, bus users and businesses again for bearing with us during these essential works.”

The council did not immediately say whether the lights will remain in place for the remaining 13 weeks of work.

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Yesterday, The Gazette revealed how a post concreted into the middle of Waverley Avenue would be removed by the council.

It was put in to advertise the diversion route a partial closure of Devonshire Road would have led to, but was met by complaints that people with wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or pushchairs may be forced into the road to get past it.

And last month, traders spoke out after diversion signs were dug into the ground after plans for the diversion were already on hold.

The council said they would be covered up to avoid confusion, but were accused of not taking the lights trial seriously.

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The work in Devonshire Road, adjacent to the biscuit factory, is part of an £11.3m project to upgrade bridges across Blackpool.

Despite plans to close the busy route, which links Blackpool to Bispham, Cleveleys, and Fleetwood, to southbound traffic being axed, traders said they were still be affected.

Michelle Betts from Butty Bar said her takings were down £30-40 a day, and Julie Buttriss from Number 273 The Fishery Fish and Chips said: “It’s already quieter. We are concerned about the length of time it will take.”