A road traffic accident on Norcross roundabout – for many years labelled ‘dangerous – has reignited discussions on whether recent improvements have made it safer.
In April, highways bosses slashed the speed limit on the approach to Norcross roundabout to make the junction safer.
National Highways upgraded 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 followed years of complaints about the redesigned junction, which was altered in 2020 as part of wider A585 upgrades.
But another accident, the latest of many at the roundabout, saw police called to a two-vehicle collision on Fleetwood Road South, Thornton , at 4:45pm on Thursday.
Lancashire Police described it as “a minor injury collision”.
After the accident, one driver said on social media: “The road markings are bad, coming on to it, which idiot through that out?”
Another commented: “You need road markings put up, not on the road where cars are on top of the sighns.”
It followed comments immediately after the work was finished, when Steven Mcquade said: “Speed limit slashed on the roundabout from 30mph to….30mph!Until some clear overhead gantry signs go up over this muddle of lanes, it seems unlikely that much will improve.”
Mark Hadfield said: “Speed isn’t the issue, it’s drivers being in the wrong lanes.”
Derek Ronson said: “The directional sign from Amounderness Way to Fleetwood needs changing.”
Brian Freeman said: “It’s the idiots behind the wheel that cause the accidents and problems.”
The roundabout, used by around 28,000 vehicles a day, was repeatedly described by motorists as confusing and dangerous, with a number of crashes and near-misses reported since its overhaul.
What has changed?
Revised road markings to ‘improve clarity and lane discipline’. These new road markings have been installed on the northbound and southbound approaches to the roundabout, helping drivers navigate the junction more safely.
Meanwhile, the speed limit on the northbound approach has been reduced from the national speed limit (60mph) to 50mph.
What National Highways said
National Highways Project Manager, Vikas Balok, said jut before the work was finished : “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.”
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