HIGHWAY planners say work is still ongoing to improve safety following concerns from local residents over the number of HGVs ignoring a 7.5tns weight limit on the recently re-opened Parkside/Golborne Road at Winwick.
Concerns have also been made after a weight limit sign disappeared during the highway works.
Local resident Stuart Mann said: Following the re-opening of Parkside/Golborne Road in late July there had been high hopes that the volume of HGV’s contravening the weight restriction along this road from the Swan in Winwick to the new link road would reduce dramatically.
“The design of the new junctions had been highlighted in all previous videos and publications as purposely discouraging for vehicles exceeding 7.5tns and all signage would state local traffic only.
“Unfortunately this doesn’t currently seem to be the case and a number of Hermitage Green and Winwick residents have outwardly expressed their concern on the local village Facebook group.
“During less than one week alone from 4th September, there were over 40 occasions where HGVs have used the road.
“About 60% of these vehicles have been travelling towards Warrington away from the new link road.
Mr Mann added: “It has been noted that since reopening, the 7.5tn weight restriction sign that was originally sited by the Parkside link road has been removed (possibly whilst the junction works occurred) and has not as yet been replaced.
“Whilst this shouldn’t matter when it comes to HGV’s adhering to the limits, I am sure it isn’t helping the situation.
The weight limit sign before it disappeared
He added: “Hopefully when the new link road opens HGVs will have an escape and avoid breaking the weight restriction.
“Finally whilst we’ve always agreed that it’s probable the majority of HGVs contravening the weight restriction have nothing whatsoever to do with the construction of the new link road, we are seeing some ‘repeat offenders’ that are specifically construction/tarmac trucks to which that Hermitage Green residents have stated they see them turning on and off the link road works.
A Warrington Borough Council spokesperson said: “Since the re-opening of Parkside Road we have worked with the contractors and St Helens Council to ensure that all sub-contractors are aware of the official route to follow. The official route takes vehicles away from Hermitage Green, up the A49, along Southworth Road and directs site traffic to Parkside Road, leading to the entrance which is now situated on Parkside Road.
“There is a temporary sign on the new roundabout deterring HGVs from entering Parkside Road unless they are accessing the site. Once Parkside Link Road is fully operational, HGVs will have the option to turn left onto the new link road and head for the A49 exiting out of the old colliery entrance, avoiding passing through Hermitage Green. The “7.5T except for access” sign was removed during Parkside Link Road works and will be replaced in the upcoming weeks along with other permanent highway road signs.
“In addition to this, we are working with St Helens to make an amendment to the traffic regulation order so that it will commence at the new junction protecting Golborne Road. This will allow the terminal signs of the weight restriction to be placed at the junction. The legal orders to amend the Traffic regulation orders will be advertised in October.”
