Road upgrade plan gets go-ahead

The scheme will ease traffic congestion on the A631

A congested route linking Rotherham and the M1 is to be improved with £5m of government cash.

The funding will transform the last remaining section of single carriageway on the A631 into a dual carriageway.

The scheme also provides an improved junction with the A618 into the town centre to cut bus journey times to the south of the town.

Construction work is due to start in January and should be completed by next autumn, Rotherham Borough Council said.

In order to make the improvements land is required from some properties backing on to West Bawtry Road from the Duke of Norfolk estate in Moorgate.

Legal notices have been served on the land owners to enable site works to commence in November.

'Improve safety'

Gerald Smith, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Development Services for Rotherham Council, said: "This is very good news for Rotherham's road users, especially those travelling through Whiston Crossroads on a daily basis, whether in a car, bus, lorry, cycle or on foot.

"This has been a long time coming but when complete it will both improve safety and reduce congestion."

Transport minister Gillian Merron said: "This is an important scheme for South Yorkshire and will help to maximise the potential of the regeneration of the area.

"The scheme will help to alleviate congestion problems, enhance bus journey times to the south of Rotherham town centre and provide improved facilities for both pedestrians and cyclists."