Safety setback on C76
7th October 2008
Anne Main, MP for St Albans, has reacted to the disappointing news that proposed work to improve pedestrian safety on the C76 route has suffered a setback due to technical difficulties.
Anne Main, MP for St Albans, has reacted to the disappointing news that proposed work to improve pedestrian safety on the C76 route has suffered a setback due to technical difficulties.
Andrew Freeman, Strategic Development Manager for Hertfordshire Highways, told Anne that the short term improvement to visibility envisaged by painting work under the bridge would not be possible due to water leakage from the ground above. This attempt to improve visibility had been proposed prior to more major improvements on the route.
Anne said:
"I have been working with residents on this scheme for some time, and I know that this will be disappointing news. However, having discussed this setback with Andrew today, I am reassured that new signage will soon be in place to draw attention to pedestrians using the road.
As a result of this technical difficulty, Hertfordshire Highways have also now written to Network Rail to try to bring forward the installation of lighting underneath the grade two listed bridge, a move I support. The lighting had originally been scheduled to be considered under next year's Highways budget, but Mr Freeman is aware of the concerns of local residents and has agreed to pursue this safety improvement as a matter of urgency, as few other options are available.
Hertfordshire Highways are also finalising arrangements for a public consultation on the full scheme and I hope this will take place soon. The safety of our children and other pedestrians is a paramount concern and with dark winter evenings closing in this stretch of road needs urgent attention.""
