The A4 running through Saltford is the major route between Bristol and Bath. There is a better; more scenic route, via Kelston, but for most people, the A4 is the quickest and most logical. For those commuting daily between the two cities, this is the one they use. But not for the next nine weeks…
Major roadworks have seen it closed by the Highways Agency and a diversion of the type normally only seen in rural France is in operation. Taking travellers some miles out of their way, it diverts those going from Bristol via the A4174, the A420 and then the A46. Travellers coming in the opposite direction are diverted onto the A39 then A37. The whole thing looks utterly horrendous and I’ll be keeping clear of it. If I do have to go to Bath, I’ll take the Kelston road.
Doubtless there is a sound reason for this complete closure. I suspect that the complete relaying of the road and utilities is behind it. However, it seems that drivers have been misusing the access allowed for residents and visitors to Saltford. Indeed, drivers have been encouraged to break the block by a local radio station.
The Highways Agency has spoken out after a radio station advised listeners to drive through road works claiming they were visiting local businesses.
An agency spokesman said three sources had confirmed reports of the station encouraging its listeners to drive through the A4 roadworks at Saltford.
As one spokesman pointed out on the BBC Points West programme this evening, the road workers are being placed at greater risk and the work may well be delayed as a consequence. This isn’t stopping plenty of drivers going straight through, though.
Any roadworks on that stretch always result in horrible delays. Putting temporary traffic lights wouldn’t be much different to the usual chaos that happens on a regular basis there. I would have thought this preferable to a complete block, but the decision was agreed with local representatives:
Highways Agency project manager Dave Sledge added: “The decision to use a complete closure to through traffic was taken after consultation with local elected representatives.”
It seems to me, that the motorists breaking the block and going through in order to avoid the even more horrible diversions are behaving entirely predictably even if, as Mr Sledge points out, the behaviour is irresponsible and endangers the workforce. Things are so bad on the first day of the works that the Highways agency is now having to put an extra gatehouse in the village to deter the blockade runners. Which leave the obvious question; why didn’t they (and the local representatives) foresee this?
And as for the drivers, what is it about people that makes them so utterly selfish? Yes, it’s a mess. Yes, we could do without yet another burden on the journey. Yes, the diversions are dreadful as they are now busy with the overload. Yes, it adds an awful level of stress to the journey – but at least the schools have broken up so the SUV brigade aren’t clogging the roads up taking the tots to their classes. So why do these people think it’s okay to take risks with the workers’ lives by driving through their workspace? A workspace that is supposed to be traffic free?