Poor Signage Caused Confusion During South Street Road Closure
Like the major road works on the A303, the South Street drainage work was important. Thankfully the work was completed on schedule and the road is once again open to traffic. But the work did come with complications and some frustration. Lessons need to be learned to avoid such frustrations in the future.
The narrow street and 45 degree blind corner meant that it would not be possible to filter traffic past the works safely, so a full road closure was in force for the duration of the work. The diversion via Common Road and Moor Lane was a sound decision, allowing safe passage for most vehicles. Previous diversions via Balsam Fields caused great frustration because of the narrow street and the number of cars parked on-street.
Several witnesses claimed that at least 30% of vehicles going down Common Road still elected to take the Balsam Fields route. They are most likely motorists with local knowledge, not wanting to take the longer official diversion route.
The greatest frustration was felt by the businesses, residents, and a local primary school in this section of road. Several delivery vehicles failed to reach their destinations and returned to base. Even intervention by the Town Clerk only achieved temporary success.
Confusion arose because of a set of traffic lights at the junction of South Street and Balsam Fields. Approaching lights on a one way system, against the normal flow of traffic, leads to questions of their viability in this situation. County Highways explained that they had suspended the one way system in this portion of road to allow temporary two-way traffic, granting access to Our Lady’s Primary School, businesses and residences.
The one-way system operated as normal down South Street from the Balsam Fields Junction. However, there was no visible signage to tell motorists of this arrangement.
The main lesson here is that future works in this or similarly difficult areas need clearer signage so that motorists can better negotiate diversions, or get deliveries to their destination effectively.
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