“Don’t fix something that isn’t broken” – Mixed reactions to new Worsley temporary traffic lights

On Tuesday (21st February 2023) temporary traffic lights were installed on the Worsley Courthouse roundabout to improve traffic flow.

Worsley Courthouse roundabout and the nearby Worsley Interchange take traffic from three busy roads and two motorway slip roads for the M60.

This means that around 14,000 cars pass through Worsley Courthouse alone in peak hours.

Salfordians have had mixed reviews to the lights. Andy Portland says no: “It’s… causing traffic for no reason and just in general pointless. Don’t fix something that isn’t broken, please stop immediately.”

Another Facebook user stated: “For those if us coming from Walkden this is already a nightmare as we have to give way to Boothstown/Leigh Road  traffic in the mornings causing 1.5  mile tailbacks. If once we get onto the brow and then the courthouse roundabout only to be held up by lights I fear the backlog will become stationary.”

On the other hand Karl Jackson had a more positive view: “What a brilliant idea I’ve seen many near misses and some people just don’t stop, it’s all about safety even if it adds another 5 mins to your journey at least you’ll get there instead of not. Keep up the good work you have mine and my families vote.”

The lights are placed on Worsley Brow, just south of where the M60 crosses the junction overhead.

Salford City Council is testing whethMer traffic lights can help giving drivers on each arm of the junction a fair chance of getting onto the roundabout and away to their destination.

This trial will last up to six months and will be monitored closely so the lights can be adjusted in order to get the best flow of traffic.

The lights will be activated after the morning rush if queues build up on Worsley and Barton Road.

They will operate into the evening peak period before being switched off again.

Councillor Mike McCusker, lead member for planning and sustainable neighbourhoods, said: “These roads and roundabouts were built when there was far less traffic overall and were never designed to cope with the volume of traffic they handle today.”

If the trial is successful the temporary lights could be made permanent depending on funding being available.