New pedestrian crossing aims to make crossing main road safer

Leader of the Council, Cllr Chris Read, at the new crossing on Morthen Road, Wickersley
Leader of the Council, Cllr Chris Read, at the new crossing on Morthen Road, Wickersley

A new pelican crossing on Morthen Road, Wickersley, has been welcomed, allowing pedestrians to safely cross the carriageway.

A need for a traffic light crossing on this busy stretch of road which is used by school students and shoppers was raised after a collision. Since then, the Council has been working with residents, drivers and ward councillors to install the new crossing to make a safer route for pedestrians from the heart of Wickersley and Wickersley Sports Academy.

It will also compliment the ongoing work on the road network for the A631 Maltby to Rotherham bus corridor.

Rotherham Council’s Leader, Cllr Chris Read, said: “This must have been one of the most difficult places in the borough to cross the road, every time it felt like taking your life into your hands. The new crossing is already in heavy use, and while it is not the easiest place from a technical point of view to install, and clearly traffic on the roundabout can’t be allowed to queue for any length of time, it already seems to have created a much safer environment.”

Since 2022, the Council has delivered new crossings in Greasbrough, Rawmarsh Deepdale and Parkgate, with new crossings due to be delivered in the coming year at Kimberworth, Hellaby, Cortonwood and Swallownest.

For further information about current road safety scheme or other improvements to road and transport networks, go to www.rotherham.gov.uk/transport-streets.

Published: 16th February 2024