Traffic speeds being monitored in Ironbridge

Speed bumps are also to be removed in Ironbridge, while speeding is monitored, to see if new traffic-calming measures are needed.

Speed Indicator Devices are now in place along The Wharfage, the main road through the town as Telford & Wrekin Council decides whether new traffic-calming is needed.

The road was resurfaced back in May, between the Madeley Hill roundabout and the Museum of the Gorge which was upgraded with a new, specialist dressing.

Existing traffic-calming was removed whilst the work was undertaken and it was agreed that the features would not initially be replaced to allow for a period of monitoring to see what would be needed.

Traffic counts were done before the work in July 2016 as part of a wider data collection exercise in Ironbridge and repeated at the same locations in July 2017 for comparison.

But further monitors were also put up near Darlington’s in response to the concerns raised by the local community.

The SIDs are now in place, initially in for a week recording data but not displaying any message to motorists

But have now been adjusted and are displaying speed warnings to motorists this week and next week.

This data will be added to this analysis of data and considered as part of a decision to be made in August about what measures are necessary to stop speeding in Ironbridge.

Councillor Nicola Lowery, ward member for the Ironbridge Gorge said: “This stretch of highway runs alongside one of our most important historical assets and it is vital we continue to invest in our World Heritage Site.

!"Whilst an aesthetical consideration must be made in the World Heritage Site, road safety is one of the most important considerations when deciding on whether to install speed humps.

"Local stakeholders have agreed to remove all the speed bumps between the Madeley Hill roundabout and the Museum of the Gorge as part of a trial to see if this has an effect on the traffic speeds.

"This is currently being carefully monitored and review of the data will take place to provide analysis between pre and post scheme recorded vehicle speeds to reach an informed decision.

“This is part of a wider project and strategy to take a more holistic approach to traffic management in the Gorge and asset management approach to road maintenance.

"I know many residents and businesses within the local community were keen to see the main carriageway improved and a wider scheme considered to ensure we continue to invest within the World Heritage Site and local economy".

Telford & Wrekin will also be carrying out resurfacing to the raised section and pelican crossing at Dale End to improve the road surface, between July 19 and 21

A system of stop and go traffic management will be in operation. All road markings and crossing studs will be reinstated as part of these works.

Back in 2016, the council ran a consultation with the public on how best to improve travelling on the Wharfage, as well as the rest of the Gorge as part of an access strategy for the whole of Ironbridge, which will seek to assess problems across the entirety of the ward.

There were suggestions that proposals could include raising roads to make it easier for pedestrians to cross, widening pavements and traffic calming measures.

Councillor Angela McClements, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for Transport, said: “This is a council-funded initiative which is part of our Pride In Our Community programme of social and economic improvements around the borough.

“We are putting the safety of residents, tourists and other road users first as we look to introduce the best way of reducing speeds through Ironbridge.

“When we have collected all the data, we will take a view on the best way of managing the large volumes of traffic that use The Wharfage and surrounding roads.”