HIGHWAYS chiefs are talking a fresh look at calls to install a roundabout in Broughton/Brigham following calls from MP Mark Jenkinson.
The scheme was shelved after National Highways concluded it did not offer sufficient value for a money, but the MP is determined to revive it.
Earlier this week he convened a meeting with National Highways, urging its senior representatives to investigate new data provided by parish councils from their traffic survey.
This has prompted National Highways to look again at the data in the hope that this new modelling work will help close the gap in the benefit to cost ratio (BCR), increasing the overall viability of the scheme.
Ahead of future meetings with the Roads Minister, the MP has also launched a campaign to illustrate to just how strongly locals feel about the need for the roundabout in terms of safety, and traffic flow.
Mark Jenkinson MP said: “I want us to speak with one voice, Local people know that drivers are going out of their way to avoid this notorious accident blackspot, that they are choosing to use back roads rather than using the junction, and that this needs to be fully reflected in the traffic studies.
“We know that the absence of a roundabout is resulting in delays and difficulties elsewhere on our road networks.
“We also understand that benefits of this project would offset the inconvenience of a slight delay on the A66 resulting from these necessary junction improvements.
I fully expect that the modelling work will show that a roundabout here would improve traffic flow, safety and would deliver a higher cost benefit than previously recognised.
“It is my hope that this work will give National Highways a more accurate and comprehensive picture, and that this will further strengthen the case for roundabout at this location.”
When Mark was elected in 2019, the roundabout project had stalled.
He worked to ensure that it was picked back up, calling for it in the House of Commons.
However, the business case meant it wasn’t deemed to provide value for money and National Highways couldn’t progress it.
Despite this setback, Mark said that he remains determined to see the project delivered, adding: “I will not rest until the shovels are in the ground.”
He has also thanked local residents and parish councils for the work they have been doing to underpin the business case, including standing out in all weathers to gather traffic data.
