Lines a marked improvement

Caption: WHITE lines ... new road markings are painted on to the A62 Oldham Road in Delph

WORK to make one of Britain’s most dangerous roads safer is continuing with new road markings applied to the A62 in Delph.

Major improvements to signs, crash barriers, road surfaces and a lower speed limit are all part of the scheme for a four-and-a-half mile stretch of the road.

The stretch, from Scouthead to the Kirklees boundary, has claimed five lives in seven years and has seen 14 serious injuries.

Work has recently begun on painting new markings on the road near to Knarr Mill.

The £300,000 worth of improvements include flashing speed signs and anti-skid treatment at junctions.

Last year the local length of the A62 was branded the fourth most dangerous road in Britain. A month later, Karl Jones died when he lost control of his Honda motorcycle close to Knarr Lane, Delph.

In March, 2006, three men died when their car collided with a bus close to the Doctor Lane junction at Scouthead.

Residents, councillors and local MP Phil Woolas all demanded action. Highways managers approved the scheme after an expert report and wide-ranging consultation called for changes.