Relief at last for long suffering motorists as the lights go on!

Sudden junction traffic lights operational

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Following a massive delay that has caused motorists intense frustration the new traffic lights at Sudden junction, the junction where Manchester Road meets Bolton Road and Silk Street, are finally operational, to the delight of local motorists who have despaired for months as they tried to safely negotiate a very small temporary plastic roundabout that at peak times, as well as causing long tailbacks, turned the junction into a scene reminiscent of the Wacky Races as drivers tried to work out when it was safe to move forward from the ever changing give way markings and negotiate the 'interesting' and also constantly shifting camber of the temporary surface.

Drivers will now be hoping the council planners have got it right and that the change of junction will result in less congestion and reduced journey times - the five minute drive from Castleton to town has at times taken up to an hour whilst the much delayed work has been in progress.

Mr Frank Salt, a guide dog user and local resident said: "It has been like being a prisoner whilst the work has been ongoing. Some residents took to crossing to St Albans bus stop on Manchester Road just to get to the shops and post office at Sudden. Then crossing over and getting the bus back one stop.

"I am particularly pleased that a puffin crossing has finally been put on Silk Street, the police suggested this in 1993 because of the increase traffic both private and commercial."

The work to turn the two Sudden roundabouts into signal controlled junctions began last summer and was originally expected to be completed by November 2007 - the traffic lights at the junction where Manchester Road meets Edinburgh Way and Roch Valley Way were switched on in May this year - however, the work has been beset by a series of setbacks, including huge delays caused by a problem with the major water main.