Traffic congestion on a ‘nightmare’ junction in Hyndburn is set to be eased.
Campaigners have fought for the past 12 months to install a new traffic light system at the junction of Dunkenhalgh Way, Henry Street, Hyndburn Road and Manor Place in Church.
It was branded ‘one of the worst in East Lancashire’ by county councillor Malcolm Pritchard who claimed motorists were waiting up to 20 minutes to turn right because there was no filter system.
Highways chiefs have now installed a ‘right-turn facility’ on the traffic lights to give priority for motorists wanting to turn from Manor Place to Dunkenhalgh Way.
Coun Pritchard said it was ‘absolutely brilliant news’ for motorists and would ease safety fears.
He said: “It’s been a complete nightmare and it’s been like that for years and years.
“Over the last 12 months people have been coming to me and asking what can be done. It’s taken a long time but we have finally succeeded.
“It will make it easier to turn right instead of waiting 20 minutes. Now there will hardly be any time at all.
“It means it won’t be as stressful and people won’t get as frustrated and take chances when turning right.”
Work to improve the junction was carried out late last week and comes after a traffic survey was conducted by the county council last year.
Oliver Starkey, highways manager, said: “To reduce queues and make it easier for drivers to turn from Manor Place to Dunkenhalgh Way, we’ve introduced a right-turn facility on the traffic lights which give priority for a time to people making this manoeuvre.
“At the same time we’ve updated the electronic hardware which controls the lights, which will make the junction work more efficiently as the level of traffic changes throughout the day.”
Coun Pritchard represents the Accrington North ward on Rossendale council.
