Motorists are being warned to expect ongoing disruption at Downend for several more weeks, with Island Roads confirming that permanent repairs to the damaged traffic lights will take considerable time to complete.
Temporary lights have been in place at the busy junction since the main signal control box was destroyed in a road traffic collision towards the end of September.
Now, more than 5 weeks in, Island Roads has confirmed that the equipment was damaged beyond repair and that a bespoke replacement is required, which could take several more weeks to manufacture and install.
The ongoing delays have already been causing significant tailbacks for drivers using the busy route.
A spokesperson for Island Roads has said:
“Unfortunately the signal control box at this location was recently damaged beyond repair in a traffic accident. It was the second such incident in the past 18 months.
“The new control box needs to be made specifically for this location and we are speaking to our supplier to get a new signal box in place as soon as possible. However, because this is bespoke equipment, a significant lead-in time is required and we expect it to be several more weeks before the new equipment is manufactured and installed.
“We will keep residents informed of progress and we apologise for any inconvenience.”
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The delays have had a noticeable impact on travel times during peak hours, particularly at the Downend junction and surrounding routes including Briddlesford Road and Long Lane.
In early 2024, the same junction suffered major disruption when a fault left the lights out for more than 2 months:
Island Roads say they will continue to monitor the site and adjust the temporary lights to manage traffic flow as effectively as possible until permanent repairs are complete.
Absolute joke. Island roads are a shambles. When you drive past it looks like the cabinet has been replaced,certainly doesn’t look damaged beyond repair. Try turning the poxy lights off,and see what happens, minimal delays. If they deem that unsafe, get off there arses,and get up there to try different timings, so there aren’t delays. Not rocket science is it!
Perhaps put a bollard in front of it this time just in case
Could the new control box be situated in a place where it will not be destroyed the next time a car hits it. Buying a new control box each time , must be exceedingly expensive and the disruption is hideous for everyone.
Might be a good to move the control box or put a barrier around it to prevent further damage.
What a load of BS. Its a 3 way traffic light controlled junction, they exist all over the UK. It can not be that special or bespoke as these junctions are common features uk wide. Try getting the light times sequence changes correct on the Temporary lights right now and that would help as a start.
Silly suggestion but get two made as it’s bound to happen again, especially if it’s bespoke. Always worth having a spare on the shelf!
Probably better to order two of them then!! What is so special about these lights that it takes ages for replacements; if bespoke, better to always have a replacement to hand rather than this debacle of waiting 4-6 weeks!!
Why does everything take so long if the council or island roads are involved? Temporary traffic lights are abused by island roads. They set them up and leave them there for ages without any work being done. They have too much power to act as they wish and cause so much inconvenience and pollution with their lack of planning. Finished works are completed but they leave the lights in place. They should be made to keep traffic flowing. How the hell they’re still holding the contract even though they’re still unable to complete the original contract. Rewarding failure. Substandard work.
Fit some cameras to the lights whilst doing the
works.
While they’re at it, do you think they’ve thought about moving said control box? Might suggest that it’s stupidly positioned if this is the second time in a year? No, I doubt it. What’s so specialist about a traffic light system I don’t know… if it were a city, it would be back up and running in a matter of days, if not hours!
Is coming on a slow boat from China?