Work under way to make notorious Norcross roundabout safer

Urgent changes to make the notorious Norcross roundabout safer for drivers are finally under way.

National Highways is upgrading the junction where the A585 – one of the Fylde coast’s busiest roads – meets Norcross Lane and both sides of another busy road, the B5268 Fleetwood Road South in Thornton.

The improvements follow years of complaints about the redesigned junction, which was altered in 2020 as part of wider A585 upgrades.

The roundabout, used by around 28,000 vehicles a day, has been repeatedly described by motorists as confusing and dangerous, with a number of crashes and near-misses reported since its overhaul.

New, clearer road markings will be installed on the northbound and southbound approaches to the roundabout, helping drivers navigate the junction more safely and efficiently.

The speed limit on the northbound approach will also be reduced from the national speed limit (60mph) to 50mph.

The scheme includes resurfacing work to provide smoother, more reliable journeys and reduce the need for unplanned maintenance in the future.

Work will be delivered in phases and will involve temporary traffic management at the roundabout.

From Monday, March 9, the inner lane will be closed, along with one lane on the Fleetwood Road North and Norcross Lane exit from the gyratory.

To maintain pedestrian safety, temporary lighting will be installed on Norcross Lane and Fleetwood Road North.

On March 19 and 20, all slip roads at the roundabout will be closed overnight. During this time, traffic will continue to travel along the A585 in both directions under temporary traffic signals.

To minimise disruption, work will take place overnight between 7pm and 2am and is expected to be completed by Friday, 27 March.

National Highways (NH) Project Manager, Vikas Balok, said: “Safety is our top priority, and the new road markings will give drivers clearer guidance as they approach and travel through the roundabout.

“We’ll also be carrying out resurfacing to improve the condition of the road surface.

“These changes are designed to enhance safety and help road users move through this busy junction more efficiently.

“We will continue to monitor the safety and performance of the junction and will always look to make further improvements where needed.”

Road campaigner Mark Owens, of Thornton, has been critical of National Highways’ work on both Norcross Roundabout and the Windy Harbour bypass, the latter of which was intended to solve chronic congestion on the A585.

He said last month: “NH is a national disgrace and has abused the taxpayer to the tune of circa £170m to produce a totally botched job. “

However, NH, which is a government-owned roads body, says it is committed to making the roundabout safer.