Work to finally begin on accident blackspot

The A57 between junction 31 of the M1 motorway and Todwick crossroads has been the scene of crashes including a drink-drive incident in 2000 which claimed six lives. It carries traffic between the motorway and Worksop.

Contractors will move onto the site on Monday, September 10 to start a new dual carriageway, which will replace the current single carriageway which has a series of dangerous bends.

Rotherham Council, which is behind the scheme, said archaeology and ecology surveys of the site are currently taking place.

A temporary reduced speed limit will operate on the A57 during the works, but engineers said there will be no need to actually close the A57 itself.

Project managers said Todwick Road will be closed at a date to be announced later when it is connected to a proposed new roundabout which will replace the current crossroads which is controlled with traffic lights.

There will be no access to Todwick crossroads from Kiveton Lane at certain times, but contractors said the exact timing of this part of the work will also be announced later.

The council said that as work progresses on the scheme traffic will gradually be moved to the new sections of carriageway as they are completed.

Coun Gerald Smith, cabinet member on Rotherham Council, said he would be delighted to see the work begin.

He said: “It has been a long and very frustrating process over the years but we will finally see the work start on this much-needed scheme in September.

“This road carries high levels of traffic so it needs to be as safe as possible but it has been troubled by road safety and congestion problems for years.

“It is also vital for the continued regeneration within the Dinnington area.”