TRAFFIC calming measures to reduce vehicle speeds and improve safety in Catherine De Barnes have been installed.
National Highways say the new safety scheme on Hampton Lane and Lugtrout Lane will also improve safety at the existing pedestrians crossing, located near the junction of the two lanes.
The work, costing £132,000, was funded through National Highways’ Users and Communities Fund and features two gateways with kerb extensions to mark the transition to a lower speed area, and a raised platform on the existing zebra crossing.
National Highways project manager Adam Gallis, said, “In recent years Catherine de Barnes village has seen increases in traffic volumes and speeds as a result of several developments in the area, including the National Highways M42 Junction 6 scheme.
“Residents and Hampton in Arden Parish Council both asked us if we could help and after agreement with Solihull Council we were able to start work in early February and complete the improvements by the middle of March.”
Year in Industry placement student, Callum Roberts, who worked extensively on the scheme, added, “It’s been a great experience working with the project team and I’m proud I was able help deliver this scheme for the local community.”
National Highways manages four Designated Funds to deliver benefits above and beyond building, maintaining and operating England’s strategic roads.
From protecting the environment and enhancing the landscape around roads, to improving safety, reducing congestion, and supporting communities, the aim is to make a positive difference to people’s lives.
the junction 6 project will see a new 2.4km dual carriageway link road, aligned to the west of Bickenhill, a new junction (5a) on the M42 motorway, approximately 1.8km south of the existing M42 Junction 6, two new roundabouts north of the B4102 Solihull Road on either side of the M42 motorway and a new overbridge above the A45 near to the Arden Hotel, providing cyclists and walkers with a safer route to cross the A45.
Once complete it is said to relieve the bottleneck at junction 6 and hoped that motorists will benefit from smoother journeys and the work will support economic growth.
