Traffic lights, a 20mph speed limit, new traffic islands, improved pedestrian crossings and landscaping are just some of the measures suggested for a stretch of the A67 from Bowes and through Barnard Castle.
The proposals were fully revealed to the public at drop-in sessions at Barnard Castle Town Council offices. Durham County Council has submitted a bid for £528,000 through the Department for Transport.
The department sought bids from local authorities which have been identified as having one of the country’s 50 highest risk sections of road.
Records show that over the past 20 years, 18 serious injuries have occurred on the stretch.
County officials say the proposed measures would reduce accidents by a minimum of 40 per cent, meaning an estimated eight serious casualties would be avoided in a 20-year period. Officials were on hand at the public sessions to talk to residents about the plans.
The most significant proposal, which has left the town divided, is traffic signals on the Harmire Road junction where it meets Bede Road and Galgate.
Council transport project manager James Turnbull said: “It would make it safer to pull out of there.
“It is a safer controlled movement of traffic. It will also be safer for pedestrians with crossing facilities.”
Resident John Watson, who attended the event to have his say, replied: “This is excellent. Technology has moved on and the traffic light system that is being put in accommodates traffic from all ways. The lights can be adjusted to work on account of where the volume of traffic builds up.”
Resident and town councillor Judi Sutherland said: “It is good to see that they are giving some attention to Barnard Castle. We are assured that the signals are going to be so good that we will not have traffic queuing when Glaxo have a shift change.”
However, Harmire Road resident Roger Redfearn said: “I don’t like the idea of the traffic lights. I think they could make things worse. It will still be bad at 5pm. It won’t make it any better.”
Transport project manager Craig Maclennan said: “The aim is to make it safer for all highway users. The proposals have been reviewed by a road safety engineer and measures are related to specific problems.
“We are here today to inform and consult with people. Where appropriate their views will be listened to.”
In the town centre there would be a permanent 20mph speed limit which would include all streets except Newgate, the top end of Galgate, Harmire Road and Bede Road. A part-time 20mph speed limit would be in place at school times on Bede Road and the A688 up to Nickleby Close.
Ms Sutherland said: “In Barnard Castle you would have to be lucky to do more than 20mph on a good day.”
On the section of the A67 between Bowes and Barnard Castle, side road give-way lines and signs, advisory signs and edge of carriageway markings are proposed.
These types of road markings have been proven to reduce head-on and run-off road crashes as they help drivers to judge their position on the road, the council said.
On the approach to Barnard Castle adjacent to the new housing developments, a speed limit gateway will be introduced. Signs will emphasise the change in the speed limit from 60mph to 40mph, and then to 30mph.
A traffic island and landscaping will also show drivers they have reached an area with a lower speed limit.
Anti-skid high friction surfacing would also be in place at the Bowes Road junction.
Changes would be made to the traffic signals on the County Bridge with detection for cyclists and horse riders.
The pedestrian crossing at Horse Market would be upgraded. The footway would be built out to create a narrower carriageway for pedestrians to cross. It is hoped that a reduction in carriageway width would prevent motorists parking on the zigzags at the crossing – a recent problem.
Mr Watson said: “The volume of traffic has increased over the years.
“There is a major through route for traffic of all descriptions which is impacting on the quality of the environment in the town centre. This will make it so much easier for people shopping in the town.”
Pedestrian islands on Galgate would also be upgraded with an additional one opposite the entrance to Morrisons.
Anti-skid surfaces are also proposed on the approach to signed crossing points.
Also included in the plans are improved bus stops, better direction signage at the Market Cross, new road markings to emphasise the mini roundabout on Bede Road and flashing speed limit signs.
Mr Watson added: “It is a well thought out scheme. It is a big bonus for us. It needs to be solidly supported.”
The county council will find out if its bid has been successful in the new year. The 20mph zone would cost £30,000 to implement, pedestrian changes £60,000, road markings £69,000, signs £34,000, traffic signals £45,000, a speed limit gateway £64,000 and street lighting £6,000.
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