One set of works has led to a big improvement, according to some motoristsWick Wick Roundabout near BristolWick Wick Roundabout near Bristol(Image: Google Maps)

From Passage Road to the A38 flyover, this summer has certainly been a season of roadworks in and around the city.

However, one set of “improvements” has proved remarkably popular with motorists. As part of works to upgrade the Wick Wick Roundabout on the A4174 ring road in Emersons Green, contractors are installing new and improved traffic lights.

In order to do so, the existing traffic lights have been switched off for the summer.

The roundabout is instead operating as a give way junction with a temporary signal-controlled pedestrian crossing. The works, carried out on behalf of South Gloucestershire Council, are expected to last until September 1.

“To allow for the vehicle traffic lights to be upgraded, the existing signals at Wick Wick Roundabout will be switched off,” a statement on the council website said. “During this time, the roundabout will operate as a give way junction. A temporary, signal-controlled pedestrian crossing will be in place to help people cross safely while the works are ongoing.

And it turns out not everyone is upset about the temporary change. A number of commenters on the South Gloucestershire Council StreetCare Facebook page pointed out that having no lights was an improvement, with many saying they’d like the change to be made permanent.

Mark said: “Roundabouts are to let traffic flow and not have traffic lights on them.”

Trefor agreed. “The best upgrade would be to remove the lights on all these roundabouts and install separate pedestrian crossings,” he said.

The vast majority of the 78 comments on a SGC post from July 14, which gave an update on the progress of the roundabout work, echoed similar sentiments.

“Are the people in the council running this scheme so blinkered that they cannot see there has been a vast improvement in traffic flow with the lights not there,” asked Steve. “If the council were really that concerned about traffic generated pollution they would leave this as it is now. When the lights return, the queues will resume.”

However, one commenter, Chris, alleged the temporary configuration had caused serious safety issues. “I have witnessed numerous near misses and just had a car nearly drive in to me on roundabout as woman went straight across without looking,” he said.

According to South Gloucestershire Council, the planned improvements at Wick Wick Roundabout also include:

  • A new toucan crossing over the northern side (A4174) of the roundabout, connecting the eastbound bus stop with the business park
  • Widening of the existing shared use path on the northern side of the roundabout and to the west of the carriageway
  • A new westbound bus stop and connecting footway

A South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson said, when restored, the signals would be essential for safety and balancing vehicle flows.

“With regards to the switching off lights question, the traffic light control serves broader safety and traffic management functions that go beyond short-term vehicle movement,” the spokesperson said.

“The roundabout includes controlled crossings on all arms. Signal control ensures safe passage for pedestrians and cyclists. Removing signals permanently would compromise this protection.”

“Signals are essential for balancing vehicle flows from all directions. This will become especially critical once the bridge on Badminton Road (North) reopens, introducing significantly more traffic into the network. Without signals, congestion and conflict points could increase, particularly during peak periods.”