Highways bosses left red-faced over new A120 crossing

James Hore

HIGHWAYS bosses have been left red-faced after they had to alter a new pedestrian crossing on a busy road because it prevented wide vehicles from getting past.

The Highways Agency has been installing a new pedestrian crossing on the A120 in the village of Bradwell, near Braintree.

But it soon became apparent that the new road layout was not working because a new central island was forcing wider vehicles, especially farm machinery, to go up onto the pavement to pass.

Once contractors added traffic signals on the pavement, it meant that some wide loads could not get through whatsoever.

After discussions with police and Bradwell parish council, a decision was taken to remove the central island from the A120 in order to let the traffic flow.

It is the latest twist in the short history of the new crossing.

Earlier this month locals were left infuriated by the construction work which they claimed carried on into the early hours of the morning and also the amount of light the new crossing setup casts into their homes.

At one stage resident Renee Byam and her husband decided to go away for 10 days, claiming the situation had become unbearable.

She told the EADT: “The whole thing is a complete and utter disaster.”

A Highways Agency spokeswoman yesterday said: “The Highways Agency recently installed a new pedestrian crossing on the A120 at Bradwell after consultation with Essex County Council and Bradwell Parish Council.

“All parties agreed to the design which included traffic signals.

“Prior to installation of the signals the width restriction at the crossing caused by the central island meant that some vehicles chose to mount the pavement to pass through, clearly creating a safety hazard for themselves and for others.

“After the new signals were installed they could no longer do so.

“Following discussions with the police and the parish council the Highways Agency have agreed to remove the central traffic island.”

james.hore@eadt.co.uk