Concerns raised over newly completed Norcross roundabout project

The A585 Norcross roundabout fully reopened last month, but concerns have been raised by the public about the layout of the new project.
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The development, by Highways England, started in July 2019 and was reopened on June 18 2020.

The roundabout was made bigger, traffic lights were installed, and approaches to the junction were made wider.

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The project was undertaken in a bid to reduce congestion and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists crossing the main road, which links Fleetwood to the M55.

One of the aims of the Norcross roundabout project was to make crossing stations easier to access for pedestrians and cyclists.One of the aims of the Norcross roundabout project was to make crossing stations easier to access for pedestrians and cyclists.
One of the aims of the Norcross roundabout project was to make crossing stations easier to access for pedestrians and cyclists.

But the installation of traffic lights and lack of road signs has been criticised by some motorists, who were concerned there could be an increase in accidents.

David Bell, secretary and treasurer of the Blackpool & District Approved Driving Instructors Association, said he and other members of the association were unsure about the safety of the roundabout.

He said: "At present, there are no signs, just road markings which obviously are useless if there is a queue of cars in front of you.

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"Also, some of the routes through the roundabout are open to different interpretations."

Some motorists were concerned about the layout of the new Norcross roundabout on the A585, which reopened at the end of June.Some motorists were concerned about the layout of the new Norcross roundabout on the A585, which reopened at the end of June.
Some motorists were concerned about the layout of the new Norcross roundabout on the A585, which reopened at the end of June.

Lorraine Marini-Wilson said: "With the new housing estate as well, it's a nightmare. People cannot read the road signs and they expect the green light to be all the way around, so there are lots of people slamming on brakes with near misses."

Jennifer Anne said: "You have to be careful, as some people expect that once their lights go green it’s green for every exit for them.

"I’ve seen a couple of near misses with people not realising the lights are red then slamming on. I think once people get used to it though, it should be fine."

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Not all motorists criticised the new development, however, as some praise came for the faster-moving traffic queues.

Jacqui Collumbine said: "It’s brilliant, traffic moves fast and freely without delays. Everything is clearly marked, so there should be no issues."

In response to the feedback from Fylde coast road users, a spokesman for Highways England said: "This is a significant and long-awaited improvement designed to make travelling through the junction safer, smoother and fairer for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians – including people joining the A585 from local roads.

“We welcome feedback from road users and are already planning a survey to capture people’s experience of the roadworks and new arrangements.

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"It is important to note that it can take time for drivers to get used to new arrangements like these and we urge everyone to exercise a little bit of extra caution when they are travelling through the junction.

"We’re continuing to monitor the junction closely so we can make any necessary adjustments to traffic light timings."