Cyclist's death prompts safety review at busy road junction

A SAFETY review is to be carried out at one of Hull’s busiest junctions, a month after a cyclist was killed when a lorry shed its load.

The Highways Agency said it would consider possible improvements to the approaches to Garrison Road roundabout on the A63, the site of several serious accidents and near misses in recent months.

The review is expected to take three months after a meeting between agency officials, Hull Council and Humberside Police.

Changes to Keep Clear road markings intended to allow easier access onto the roundabout from Victoria Dock will begin next year, after being agreed at a residents’ meeting in July.

An agency spokeswoman said: “In response to yesterday’s meeting at which a number of residents concerns were discussed we will be carrying out a review of the signing and lining on the approach to Garrison Road roundabout over the next few months.

“It is too soon to say what the outcome of the review will be or to detail any changes which may be made.”

A more comprehensive review of the junction was being carried out and would be completed over the next two years, she added.

“With regards to the main junction, a period of monitoring occurs after the opening of any scheme on our network.

“The review of Garrison Road roundabout will be completed in January 2012 and will consider the improvement works carried out at the roundabout and the overall effect on safety, congestion and accessibility.

“Following the review detailed studies and possibly further improvements may then take place.

“Until this review is complete no changes will be made at the roundabout.”

One of the problems identified by road users is the “horseshoe” shaped approach and adverse camber on the roundabout, which hauliers say rocks loads from side to side.

In August, cyclist Susan Russell, 54, of east Hull, was killed when a lorry carrying a trailer shed its load at the roundabout.

After the meeting, the police, council and Highways Agency issued a joint statement which said the number of incidents had fallen since traffic lights were introduced in 2008.

The statement said: “Although there has been a slight decrease in the number of vehicle collisions and pedestrian incidents at this roundabout, it is too early to tell if the measures introduced will need to be reviewed in any way.

“However, as a result of the meeting, the Highways Agency will be reviewing signs and lane markings on the approach to roundabouts on the A63/A1033.

“The Highways Agency has received a number of comments from Victoria Dock residents on their concerns about the traffic on Garrison Road roundabout, this will contribute to the Highways Agency’s three-year review and data will continue to be gathered about incidents on the roundabout.”

It concluded: “Road safety is of critical importance for those agencies involved in designing, managing and enforcing on the highway network and all partners are committed to working together and with drivers of all vehicles to reduce the number of collisions on our roads.”

Traffic lights were installed as part of a 1.75m scheme to improve safety at the roundabout.

Among the changes were a new right turn for traffic heading west, a dedicated lane for traffic heading for Great Union Street, and new pedestrian crossings, footpaths, street lights and guard rails.

Critics said the lights slowed the flow of traffic and caused lengthy tailbacks, leaving some vehicles “stranded” on the roundabout when the lights changed.

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