Last month I mentioned that we would shortly see the work at Black Dog Crossroads completed and I am very pleased to say that it is now fully operational.
The first few weeks since the lights have been in operation have seen a significant reduction in queue times thanks to the intelligent sequencing helped by loops under the surface of the road and cameras mounted on top. Slow moving farm machinery or a stalled vehicle are picked up in the junction and timing is adjusted accordingly. The cameras can even detect different types of vehicles such as large busses or HGVs about to cross and factor that into the sequencing. The most satisfying element for most of us will be the identification of empty arms of the junction, particularly at night, with the lights staying green for the other arms for maximum flow.
It is easy to forget just how regular the crashes were at Black Dog before the works started. During one period a couple of years ago we had a week where there was a crash almost every other day. Now, with the lights intelligently ushering traffic through, the anxiety, particularly for drivers coming from Worton or Market Lavington, has dramatically reduced and there is not the risk of someone pulling out in front of you when you come around the bend on the A360.
As we all know, crashes are almost always down to an error in judgement and so it is possible that at some stage we will see an incident on the road despite these new lights. For all of us the day-to-day travel through the junction is definitely safer now than it was, even if the risks can never be completely eradicated.
It has also been good to see Lavington Lane resurfaced (finally) and I note that the bollard of doom has also been moved back closer to the wall. I remain confused by this since we were assured that it was going to be completely removed. The placement of it now is far better, time will tell whether it is still an unnecessary obstacle for drivers. Further resurfacing works will be carried out across the wider area over the spring and summer as the council tries to get to grips with their share of the UK’s pothole pandemic.
On a more positive note, I wanted to say a fond farewell to Kelly and Shaun after several years running The Churchill Arms and a warm welcome to Tom and Zara who have taken the baton. The pub appears to have been busy most weekends and evenings which is great to see and I know they have big plans for events and food as they make their own mark on the pub. I wish them all the best for the future and I look forward to pub quizzes, great meals and plenty of Horizon in the sunshine!
You may contact me about this or any other matter by email to dominic.muns@wiltshire.gov.uk or by phone on 07585 394 178.
