New £13m bypass that nobody uses
RESIDENTS say traffic is as bad as ever despite the opening of a new £13m bypass around their village as motorists do not know the new road is there because signage is so poor.
The Woodville bypass opened in December after years of residents putting up with severe congestion most of the day.
But they say the new road has not made much difference as most drivers do not know to use it. They say it is only locals who know it is there and are calling for signs to be made clearer for the new road which takes traffic heading for Burton and Swadlincote, and Ashby, around the village from Derby Road to Occupation Lane.
The landlord of the New Inn, Steve Penver, which is near the Tollgate Island where the A511 joins the A514 roundabout and where much of the traffic still clogs up said: “It’s not even a bypass, the only the reason the road went in is because they had planning permission for 428 houses and there was no road, so it’s not anything like a bypass.
“The traffic hasn’t changed at all one bit, if you sit yourself on this island for an hour and see how much traffic comes by, it’s manic as not many seem to be using the bypass. It’s beyond crazy and hasn’t changed anything whatsoever.
“Noise from the traffic is one of them things I’ve just had to get used to. Saying that though, it’s horrendous from five in the morning up until midnight.”
Margaret Adams, 64, lives on Swadlincote Road, said: “Woodville has some nice things about it but I hate living on this road. Noise from the constant cars coming past is relentless and I wish I lived elsewhere because of it, but what can you do?”
A neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “The new bypass was meant to help with traffic flow but that hasn’t changed much so far, just look back to a few months ago where the traffic was piling back.”
Steve Taylor, parish council vicechairman, said: “Yes the traffic in Woodville has changed and the bypass has reduced some of the traffic, but I think as people get to know more about the bypass and its existence then I think that trend will continue to improve.
“The problem we do have is that Derbyshire County Council have refused to signpost traffic along the new road. The highways authority and the county council were challenged quite robustly at a parish council meeting on Tuesday in terms of why it will not signpost the route from Swadlincote to Ashby and visa versa.
“To everybody in the community it makes complete sense and it would obviously work to free up congestion in Woodville. So yes there is some improvement, unfortunately the opportunity to make it better hasn’t been taken.”
Derbyshire County Council led the project which had to be halted weeks from completion when its main contractor North Midland Construction went into administration. Following hard work behind the scenes, the council stepped in as principal contractor to co-ordinate the completion of the single-carriageway road, which is almost a mile long.
A spokesman for the council said: “As a highways authority we are only able to sign major destinations via the principal road network, which is governed by the Department for Transport. The new Woodville Link Road is not a designated A or B road, so the destination signs for Swadlincote comply with the Department for Transport signing strategy using the A511 and A514 routes. Whilst the road can be used as a bypass, it’s primary function is to unlock access to potential development areas.”
For people living in Woodville, which has a population of around 5,000, away from the main road, it is a different picture, who said they do not ever want to leave as they love how convenient it’s with a doctors’ surgery, store, pharmacy, post office, Tesco Express, Greggs, hairdressers, beauty salons and numerous pubs. It also has a number of outdoor play areas where youngsters can run around and let off some steam and plenty of open space.
Kerry Redfern, 52, has lived in Arliston Drive for 13 years with her husband Terry and their cockapoo. She said: “It’s a fantastic place to live as we’ve got the woodlands right nearby us here which is great for walking the dog.
“I originally come from Nottingham but moved to Swadlincote before relocating here. We love it.”
Daniel Ross, 33, is from Nottingham, but runs a hair and beauty salon on Swadlincote Road. He said: “I set up my business here because it’s something that was needed here for sure and my parents own the gym next door to us so it was like a joint effort. I’ve worked here now for seven years and in those times I’ve gotten to know many locals who are lovely – absolutely.”