RESIDENTS of Barnsley Road in Dodworth can breathe more easily after the opening of the Dodworth bypass.
Three years ago levels of nitrogen dioxide alongside the A628, then one of the major routes into Barnsley town centre, were so high it was declared an Air Quality Management Area – which meant action was needed to improve air quality.
Since then t
he Dodworth bypass has drastically reduced the amount of traffic using Barnsley Road which is surrounded by housing.
Air pollution readings for the first full year since the bypass opened show air pollution levels have fallen and the Government's air quality standard for nitrogen dioxide is now being met.
If levels continue to remain low over the coming years Barnsley Council will apply for the removal of the AQMA.
Coun Roy Miller, Cabinet spokesperson for customer and neighbourhood services, said: "We are delighted to announce that the quality of the air along Barnsley Road in Dodworth has improved due to the new bypass. It is important that our borough continues to keep its air clean and I look forward to seeing these improvements being sustained over the coming years and then we can hopefully remove the AQMA status."
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