Pedestrian islands on busy Rotherham road in bid to improve safety

A 30 mph speed limit in the area will also be extended as a further measure to reduce the risk of accidents, under proposals from Rotherham Council.

The changes are taking place on the A630 Doncaster Road, with pedestrian islands to create refuges between the carriageways and a 30 limit extended closer to Carr Lane, Thrybergh, rather than its current end point at Fosters garden centre.

The move comes after a number of residents raised concerns about road safety in the area and would mean significant changes to one of the town's major roads.

Doncaster Road, which runs through the centre of Rotherham via Thrybergh and across the boundary into Doncaster, is a key route in the borough.

Work on the first island has now started with the whole project expected to be finished by March.

Legal processes have to be followed to change the speed limit, which means it could be the autumn when that changes.

Coun Emma Hoddinott, who has responsibility for roads and community safety on the council's ruling Cabinet, said: “We have been working alongside residents and the parish council to put things in place, including building new pedestrian islands and extending the 30mph zone, which will make Doncaster Road safer for pedestrians to cross.

“I would like to thank everyone for their work over the last few months, and pleased that we are able to do this to make one of our busiest roads safer.”

Thrybergh Parish Council Chairman, Mr Glen Trickett, said: “The Parish Council and residents welcome the new layout for Doncaster Road at Thrybergh.

"Crossing the road has been quite a hazard for some time and these new pedestrian islands and changes to the speed limit will really help residents to cross the road safely. ”

Speed limits elsewhere in the town could be reduced to help improve road safety in future.