Villagers win 7 year fight for safe crossing on the A35

A £300,000 pedestrian crossing is making the journey from one side of Morcombelake to the other a lot safer.

Residents have been calling for a crossing for seven years to give pedestrians and school children safe passage to the other side of the village.

It's divided in half by the A35 and people have historically had to wait for breaks in traffic to cross the road.

The crossing uses technology that detects fast-moving vehicles on the approach to the Ship Knapp junction, as well as high-friction surfacing and additional warning signs along the A35.

Steven Wright, Highways England’s Users and communities fund lead, said:

“We’re committed to significantly improving safety across our road network, and the newly completed pedestrian crossing is a glowing example of how this funding can make life better for communities living and working near our roads.

“At Highways England, our work goes beyond operating, maintaining and improving roads. We’re investing in the environment and communities surrounding our network, as well as the people travelling and working on it, and we’re delighted to be partnering with the Morcombelake community towards improving safety on the A35.”

For the past seven years, residents in Morcombelake have called for safety improvements, including a second crossing at the western end of the village.

Following a petition led by Norma Groombridge and Sue Warren, and numerous meetings with Highways England and the parish council, a study was commissioned and now, after design and construction of the signalled crossing, the residents’ wishes have been granted.

The work has been completed by Highways England during the pandemic lockdown.