A section of road which has seen its share of “near misses” is being assessed for improved traffic calming measures.
A feasibility study is being carried out to determine the best way to improve the stretch of Bolton Road between the Molyneux Road and Cherwell Road junctions in Westhoughton.
The brief section comes shortly after the busy and soon-to-be upgraded White Horse Junction - which has its own safety concerns - with a zebra crossing situated close the Molyneux Road junction.
Cllr Bernadette Eckersley-Fallon says she ahs been campaigning for change there since she was elected in 2019.
She added: “I’ve had video sent to me by residents where there has been near misses simply because the White Horse Junction, as you come through those lights and you hit the bend, you’ve got the pub and the nursery next to each other and it’s quite a short distance.
“So, when people come speeding over the junction because the lights are on green and you’re hitting that bend and someone’s midway across that zebra crossing there’s been so many near misses.
READ MORE: Chorley New Road crossing to be completed by March
“If you’re not familiar with that area you would not know as you’re coming through those lights because you can’t see the crossing.
"It’s only when you hit the bend at the nursery that you actually see that crossing.”
With a large estate, Lilliputs Day Nursery, and the Rose and Crown pub all within a close proximity, as well as the road being a frequently used route to Westhoughton High School, the zebra crossing is often used.
The study will inform the council how the proceed, with the likely outcomes being a pedestrian crossing with traffic lights or moving the zebra crossing further down the road.
Any plans will likely take quite a while to come through to fruition, however, with a number of departments involved in the process including Transport for Greater Manchester – who control the traffic lights – and Bolton Council's highways department.
READ MORE: Grandma of girl hit by bus 'continuing fight' for crossing
Cllr Eckersley-Fallon added: “Nothing is going to be quick but I’m very optimistic.
“We’ve tried to upgrade it through the area forum.
"We have a pot of money which the ward councillors have and you need two to vote it through and we’re all on the same side so I’m quite optimistic we’ll get it through.”
If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at lewis.finney@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @lewisfinney18.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel