Concern over ‘total chaos’ in Norton at roadwork junction

The Mayor of Norton, Cllr Di Keal said she is concerned over the danger to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians at the Welham Road and St Nicholas Street junction at the level crossing today in Norton.

Cllr Keal, said: “Having witnessed “the total chaos” I have contacted Northern Gas Networks (NGN) again to request a sensible option of reversing the diversion they have put in place which makes no sense at all.
“In the meantime please drive carefully in the area – the turn into St Nicholas Street from Welham Road travelling from Church Street – where you have to pull onto the wrong side of the road – is ludicrous and dangerous, especially when others are trying to turn from the BP garage side – whoever has planned this has zero knowledge of the road layout.”

Meanwhile, Cllr Keane Duncan, who represents, Norton, said he continues to liaise with NGN and North Yorkshire Council on behalf of local residents, said: ” Firstly, good news… the site manager is hoping to 𝐫𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭 as normal from Saturday. This should ease congestion and allow Coastliner buses heading to Scarborough to serve Norton once again.

“The site manager reported that traffic is “flowing well” overall as people become familiar with the closures and diversions. He did not identify any major safety concerns at present.”

Cllr Duncan said he has asked NGN and North Yorkshire Council to consider a clockwise diversion to help traffic flow.

“This has been looked into but the council “do not consider that this would be a safe arrangement at present” and say it “would introduce an additional conflict between opposing traffic flows” at the St Nicholas Street/Welham Road junction.

Cllr Duncan also raised a number of issues relating to the signs, including on Welham Road near the junction with Bazley’s Lane and on St Nicholas Street which have been reviewed today (Tuesday).

“The council’s street works inspector has also attended the site today to check that the traffic management is compliant and operating effectively. His assessment is that it is currently doing so. The council will continue to monitor the arrangement, particularly as the works progress.

“From Friday, NGN will be moving further down Welham Road, which may provide an opportunity to review the traffic flows around the junctions and consider whether any further adjustments could help ease congestion.”

Cllr Duncan has asked residents to contact him with any concerns and he will reply with information if he can and raise issues with NGN/North Yorkshire Council.