1 week Ago By [email protected] (Fionn Burrows)
Concerns have been raised about how the completion of a major road project could affect traffic and safety in nearby villages. Once complete the Southern Link Road will connect the A1 and A46 south of Newark, with the aim of relieving pressure on other parts of the road network. However, there is a fear that roads through neighbouring villages, such as Hawton, may see an influx of traffic if there is congestion on the new link road as drivers attempt to avoid the queues.
A section highlighted as being of particular concern is Hawton Bridge, which is not only narrow but connects to a blind bend, leading to worry that accidents could become more frequent with additional traffic. As such, Farndon and Hawton Parish Councils are currently preparing petitions calling on Nottinghamshire County Council to install permanent traffic lights in the area to manage any potential future traffic issues. Sue Saddington, Nottinghamshire County Councillor for Farndon and the surrounding villages, is in support of the petition.
“The villagers are crying out for it and while the work is still ongoing this is the perfect time to request that traffic lights are permanently installed,” she said. “It won’t be as big a deal, or cause nearly as much disruption, as if it is done at a later date.” She continued: “I know from the A46 and the A1, that when we have accidents, the first thing drivers do is to find a short cut.
“So in my mind, there will be an accident on the Southern Relief Road, and when there is an accident there will be a queue, and when there is a queue people will try and avoid it by coming through Hawton. “My concern is that more drivers and lorries unfamiliar with these rural roads pose a risk and someone could get seriously hurt. There aren’t many footpaths, there are lots of bends and blind corners, and I want to make sure it is safe for residents.
“By going for a walk you’re taking your life in your own hands. At the moment it’s managable, but it will only get worse once the new road is open.” Hawton Road fully closed to the public in February as work was carried out to restructure and realign the carriageway with the Southern Link Road, and build a new connecting roundabout.
The road partially reopened to traffic at the start of September, managed by temporary traffic lights, with a full reopening planned by the start of 2025. The link road is scheduled for completion by the start of 2026. Petitions will be presented to the community at Hawton and Farndon Parish Council meetings later this month, with the goal of gaining as many signatures as possible before the end of the year.
Sue Saddington said she will then present the petitions to the chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council at a meeting of full council at County Hall. When approached for comment, a council highways manager, said: “Once received, the petition will be considered alongside any other related reports and discussed at a future transport and environment cabinet member meeting. “The new Newark Relief Road is expected to have a positive impact on traffic levels travelling through Hawton, and we will assess traffic levels once the relief road is open.
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