In February 2023 Salford City Council introduced a trial of temporary signals on Worsley Brow in an effort to balance the flow of traffic at the Court House roundabout and to improve safety by giving all approaches an equal chance to join it. The signals stop traffic approaching the roundabout from the North, allowing vehicles on the other approaches to join the roundabout.
There will be temporary lane closures at and on the approach to the roundabout throughout the works during off-peak hours only, between 9.30am to 3.30pm. In addition, sections of the footway will need to be closed and alternative pedestrian routes will be provided along with appropriate signage. Possible traffic restrictions will include lane closures on Worsley Brow, Worsley Road, Barton Road, M60 slip road and Court House roundabout.
Road closures
A572 Worsley Road
- Wednesday 28 August, from 9.30am to 3.30pm: one-way closure from Worsley Delph to Court House roundabout, in that direction only.
B5211 Barton Road
- Wednesday 28 August, from 10am to 1pm: temporary two-way lights
Road closure on Worsley Road from Worsley Delph to Court House roundabout, in that direction only.
-
Monday 12 to Wednesday 14 August between 9.30am and 3.30pm only: bus stop suspension, Worsley Court House (Stop C), Barton Road towards Winton
-
Monday 19 to Friday 23 August between 2am and 5am: bus stop suspension, Worsley Road-Worsley Court House (Stop A)
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Tuesday 20 to Friday 23 August between 9.30 and 3.30pm: bus stop suspension, Worsley Road-Worsley Court House (Stop A), due to the closure on Worsley Road (details in section above), bus services will be diverted and may experience delays, please see details below.
| Service |
From |
To |
Diversion details |
| 20 |
Trafford Centre |
Bolton |
Normal route |
| 20 |
Bolton |
Trafford Centre |
Normal route to Greenleach Lane (Omitting Worsley Courthouse, Barton Road, Worsley Road (Winton) and Parrin Lane), LEFT Worsley Road (Worsley), RIGHT Folly Lane, AHEAD Rocky Lane, LEFT Monton Road to resume normal route. |
| 66 |
Eccles |
Prestwich |
Normal route |
| 66 |
Prestwich |
Eccles |
Normal route to Moorside Road (Omitting Worsley Courthouse, Barton Road and part of Worsley Road (Winton), LEFT Worsley Road (Worsley), RIGHT Folly Lane, AHEAD Rocky Lane, AHEAD Monton Green, AHEAD Parrin Lane, LEFT Worsley Road (Winton) to resume normal route. |
The signals are located on the south-bound carriageway of Worsley Brow, just south of where the M60 crosses overhead and are being monitored by cameras and sensors. Passive sensors were also placed further away from the roundabout, collecting traffic volume data before the trial started as well as throughout, to provide a complete picture of its impact on the network.
Having reviewed the collected data, we know traffic flow at the roundabout has become fairer and more balanced. We have also seen a significant improvement to bus journey times.
What is happening?
After thorough and thoughtful consideration, the decision has been made to remove the temporary lights at the Court House roundabout and install a new crossing.
As we continue our work alongside Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to make sustainable transport more accessible and reliable, Salford City Council have decided to build on the improvements achieved during the trial and install a signalised pedestrian crossing where the temporary signals are located, on both sides of Worsley Brow. Pedestrians will see modern and safe crossing facilities introduced.
In addition to the push-button facility, these signals will also continue to help to control traffic flow at the roundabout with queue sensors installed on Worsley Road and Barton Road. This will help to preserve the bus journey time benefit as well provide easier and safer pedestrian access to bus stops.
Throughout the trial we have received some complaints from residents about the operation of the temporary signals and we would like to assure you that the permanent system will be a lot more stable and offers more functionality, and reliability. Urban Traffic Control will also have better control of the signals and be able to make real-time adjustments remotely, if required.
This decision aims to enhance the roundabout's overall balance, offer improved access in all directions, and create a safer and more enjoyable environment for pedestrians.
When will the works take place?
The works will take place during school holidays when traffic volumes are reduced. They are due to commence on 22 July for six weeks with a planned completion on 30 August. Working hours will be Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm.
Please note the contractor will be setting up their works and welfare facilities on the grounds of the Worsley Court House Car Park so parking capacity will be reduced.
Frequently asked questions
Why were the new pedestrian crossing works on Worsley Brow and gas works on Leigh Road allowed to take place concurrently?
Please note a lot of careful consideration has gone into the planning of these works and ensuring the best outcome for residents and motorists.
The Worsley Brow works have been planned for the school holidays when traffic volumes are reduced. Given the sensitive location, we feel this is the best time to complete this scheme. In addition, we have ensured any required lane closures are restricted to off-peak hours only.
The Cadent works on Leigh Road are to upgrade an ageing gas main which is on their critical list. This needs to be completed within 12 months and is set to take approximately 137 days. We recognise the challenge this poses for our network so there would never be a good time to undertake this job. The Salford City Council’s Streetworks team met with Cadent on multiple occasions to ensure their works account for the works on Worsley Brow and are coordinated as well as they can be.
A number of mitigating measures have been undertaken as a result:
- Cadent were asked to undertake trial holes and take road width measurements to try and avoid traffic management (TM) where possible. As a result, the planned TM has been minimised and some of the works scheduled for the second half of September will not require any TM at all.
- Close coordination with TfGM to see if they had any input to help with the congestion the scheme would cause. Using the data from the temporary signals and sensors they were able to advise that summer holidays is the least busy time in the area with around 25% less traffic.
- Planned the works to start at the furthest point from Worsley Brow (Simpson Road), working their way up Leigh Road to Ellenbrook Road towards the end of August.
- All 24 hour lights will be manned at peak times. Cadent will also work at weekends to speed up the works and reduce overall duration.
- To only undertake half of the scheme within this year’s summer holidays. The second phase will take place next year from February.
Are there any plans to change the lane markings at the Court House roundabout?
The Court House roundabout was upgraded in 2020 to ease congestion at this busy junction. Additional capacity has been created on the roundabout by creating additional traffic lanes and making the inside lane on the south side of the Worsley Court House roundabout for Barton Road only. The addition of ‘Keep Clear’ markings on the roundabout at the approaches from Worsley Road and Barton Road is also an improvement on the old layout.
Following the completion of these upgrades, the Salford City Council’s Road Safety Team went out to undertake a post-completion Road Safety Audit (RSA). All of the recommendations have been addressed and we have since carried out a further Road Safety Audit with no critical issues raised. We continue to monitor and take action where necessary to improve the operation and safety of this junction moving forward.
The current scheme on Worsley Brow is to install modern pedestrian crossing facilities and to make the operation of the roundabout more balanced, junction layout changes will not be undertaken as part of this scheme.
Are there any plans to refresh the current 'Keep Clear' markings at the roundabout by the Worsley Road and Barton Road entrance?
The current scheme will focus on the works required to install the pedestrian crossing on Worsley Brow, as well as the sensors on Worsley Road and Barton Road. We are engaging with our highways maintenance team to plan the road markings work to take place at the same time and avoid additional disruption.
How will the permanent lights reduce the risk to drivers approaching from Barton Road while maintaining the improved flow?
Data collected during the trial period shows Barton Road journey times have reduced with the signals in place. The new traffic signals will continue to help vehicles joining the roundabout from both Worsley Road and Barton Road by creating gaps in the continuous flow of traffic from Worsley Brow onto the motorway. The traffic signals will be equipped with sensors on Worsley Road and Barton Road to detect when this is appropriate, similar to the way that the temporary signals have operated but with the added benefit of providing a new pedestrian crossing facility once the work is complete.
Signalising additional arms of the junction would create further delays for all users. For more information please see the question 'Has the option to signalise the whole junction been explored?'.
Has the option to signalise the whole junction been explored?
During the options development stage a number of configurations and options for the roundabout were modelled using accepted traffic modelling software. The option to fully signalise the junction resulted in even higher levels of congestion and longer journey times than the current arrangement and so it was discounted on that basis.
Does a green light on Worsley Brow indicate right of way at the roundabout?
No. There are Give Way signs on both sides of Worsley Brow and all three lanes have Give Way triangles painted on the approach to the roundabout. The lights aim to create a gap in the flow of traffic coming from Worsley Brow so that cars coming from Worsley Road and Barton Road can safely join the roundabout.
Please contact SalfordRoadWorks@salford.gov.uk if you have any questions in the meantime.