The government doesn’t get much praise these days. But fair play to the Department for Transport, which has announced nearly £10m of upgrades to roads in the North of England, with a big chunk of that cash aimed at improving safety for bikers.
The investment focuses on two roads, the A583 Blackpool Road in Lancashire, and the famous A57 Snake Pass in Derbyshire. Cash is being spent to add new cycle paths and pedestrian walkways, but the Snake Pass is also getting a new motorcycle safety barrier, which is projected to prevent around 100 serious or fatal injuries over 20 years. Money will also be spent on speed limit signage, improved visibility and stabilisation of the carriageway.
This funding is an important step in the right direction, helping to create safer, more reliable journeys
Roads minister, Lilian Greenwood, said: “Anyone driving on the A57 Snake Pass knows how risky it can feel. Now this iconic road, as well as the A583 Blackpool Road, will benefit from life-saving improvements, making journeys safer for thousands of road users across the North and providing more peace of mind for their loved ones.”
Commenting on the upgrade, South Yorkshire mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “The Snake Pass is a vital connection between Sheffield and Manchester, connecting two of the biggest cities in the North. It’s a road that’s used by thousands of us every day, but one that’s been plagued by closures, stop-start repairs and an uncertain future. I would like even better connections between the big cities of the North, but this funding is an important step in the right direction, helping to create safer, more reliable journeys, and protecting a fundamentally important connection across the Peak District.”
And the mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “The A57 Snake Pass is a vital cross-Pennine route connecting two of the North’s biggest economies, so it’s absolutely vital that people can travel safely and reliably between here, Sheffield and beyond across South Yorkshire. This welcome investment will deliver much-needed improvements that will help to save lives and reduce serious injuries. I look forward to these life-saving changes being delivered.”