WORK to alleviate traffic on the town’s most congested stretch of road has now started but motorists have been promised that delays will be kept to a minimum.
Barnsley Council announced the launch of its ‘transformative’ A635 Stairfoot and Cundy Cross scheme earlier this year following a borough-wide consultation.
The survey which was carried out last summer highlighted that Stairfoot roundabout, Cundy Cross’ junctions and Doncaster Road, which is also on the A635 were the joint priorities for residents and businesses.
Stairfoot roundabout was named as the most congested junction across Barnsley, with almost half of all respondents naming it in their top three areas.
Ground investigation works started on Monday and will last for six weeks - with traffic management measures in place as and when needed.
A council spokesperson said: “Ground investigation works will take place around the Stairfoot roundabout for approximately six weeks.
“Work will take place on the A635 Doncaster Road, B6100 Hunningley Lane, A633 Wombwell Lane, A633 Grange Lane, Bleachcroft Way and Stairfoot roundabout.
“Roads will remain open during this time with work taking place during the day and overnight across the six week period.
“When work is taking place overnight, traffic management measures will be in place between 7pm and 6am.
“Please plan your journey accordingly and allow extra time during these times.”
It’s hoped the scheme will improve congestion in the area and, once the six-week investigation is completed, council bosses are hopeful to kickstart the scheme in February.
The proposed plans for the Stairfoot and Cundy Cross scheme include several key enhancements, including straightening the approach to the roundabout from Wombwell Lane and Bleachcroft Way, widening entry and exit lanes, and the addition of shared-use paths for pedestrians and cyclists.
Furthermore, the scheme will make improvements to the Trans Pennine Trail, including the replacement of the bridge over Grange Lane.
Bosses say that a larger roundabout is needed to reduce the time it takes during peak hours to travel through it.
They say that without intervention the current issue will only get worse, and it is vital to continue economic growth in the town.
It is being funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.
Coun James Higginbottom, cabinet spokesperson for environment and highways, said: “The ground investigation work around Stairfoot roundabout is in preparation for both planning and full business case submission as part of the next steps of the A635 Stairfoot and Cundy Cross improvement scheme to tackle congestion on an important corridor through Barnsley.
"A recent survey of residents showed this was the number one area for congestion in the borough and we are taking action to tackle that problem and improve the experience for Barnsley drivers.
“While the investigation work is set to take around six weeks, we expect the impact on traffic in the area to be minimal as work that will take place during the day will not be on the road.
“To help minimise disruption and to allow our staff to work safely, most of the works will take place at night.
“I’d like to thank residents for their patience and co-operation while this work takes place.”
