Latest plans unveiled for £4m Vauxhall Way dualling project

The Vauxhall Way phased improvements began in August, but have suffered from delays.

Residents and local councillors complained there was no consultation about the plans, so the project was stopped after some initial preparations.

Now, a letter from the council's highways team reveals that a mini-roundabout is seen as the best solution to cater for traffic at the junction of Birchen Grove and Hitchin Road.

This will be trialled over a six-month period, with the aim of “improving traffic movement and the safety of the junction”, according to the letter.

“The trial will follow on from signal improvement works on Hitchin Road and Vauxhall Road,” it said.

“Residents have raised queries regarding traffic in the Stopsley ward area.”

If follows a consultation exercise held between October 10 and November 18 last year.

“A plan has been developed to address the traffic management in this area, taking residents’ comments into consideration,” added the letter.

The council intends introducing a one-way traffic system to improve safety and parking along Heywood Drive from Stockingstone Road to St Martin’s Avenue.

A one-way system for Felstead Way from its junction with St Martin’s Avenue to Stockingstone Road aims to improve junction and parking arrangements.

Junction improvement works were due to begin in late January. The project suffered a further setback because of the pandemic.

The local authority is being assisted by a £1.2m grant from South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) towards the dualling project.

Trees have been felled and shrubs removed along part of the roads affected, with some work taking place during lockdown.

Labour South councillor Paul Castleman, portfolio holder for transport, described Vauxhall Way as the second busiest road after New Airport Way, and added that congestion needs to be tackled there.

A 30mph speed limit and average speed cameras are being considered as part of the development.