VERBAL abuse, threats and even objects have been thrown at workers carrying out road works on a major route into Stratford.
Bosses at Warwickshire County Council slammed this behaviour as “totally unacceptable” as they revealed that staff carrying out the hugely unpopular road safety improvements on the A439 Warwick Road had been subjected to abuse over the last few weeks.
WCC’s transport spokesperson Coun Jan Matecki said the council would like to emphasise the importance that it places on the safety of its highway workers.
He continued: “We understand that roadworks can be frustrating, but the workers on site must be allowed to go about their duties in a safe environment. They have families and dependants, and this type of behaviour will not be tolerated. To address this, we are installing cameras on the site, and a temporary 30mph speed limit has been implemented.”
The road safety scheme, which began in February and is estimated to take five months, includes a reduction in the speed limit, a protected turning lane at the Ingon Lane junction, which has experienced a high number of collisions, streetlighting to improve visibility of crossing pedestrians at fisherman’s car park, parking restrictions to prevent dangerous parking along the route, an off-road cycle lane, footway provisions which will better connect pedestrians to the town centre, as well as pedestrian crossing points.
A one-way southbound system has been implemented, and comprehensive diversion routes are being clearly signposted for the duration of works.
But the scheme has proved hugely unpopular with residents and councillors alike.
Members of Stratford District Council raised grave concerns that the works could leave the town gridlocked.
A major worry was the fact the northbound side of the road would be closed for the duration of the works and the adjacent Birmingham Road could become blocked with diverted traffic.
And since the works began there have been reports of long queues of traffic along the Warwick Road with vehicles, including lorries, being diverted through the town centre.
WCC said that work has been progressing well with construction of retaining walls at the Ingon Lane junction along with progress on access for pedestrians and cyclists among the highlights.
Over the coming weeks, the construction of the surface course for the cycleway between the Welcombe Golf Course and Hotel entrances will be completed and work will continue building the retaining walls at Ingon Lane to facilitate junction improvements.
Traffic management will be temporarily suspended during the Shakespeare Birthday Weekend from the night of Friday April 19 to Sunday April 21 to ensure smooth travel for visitors. It was also suspended over the Easter weekend.
