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MP wants action on 'mad' A1 junctions

BBC lorry crashBBC
The A1 was closed for over 24 hours after a lorry crashed near the Colsterworth junction in March

An MP has said there needs to be a "substantial solution" to improve safety on the A1.

There have been almost 1,000 crashes on the A1 between Peterborough and Blyth since 2015, according to transport research group Midlands Connect.

Alicia Kearns, MP for Rutland and Melton, said some junctions are "frankly dangerous, and we need to do something about them."

National Highways said it will be investing a further £10m in safety improvements later this year.

Alicia Kearns Alicia Kearns MPAlicia Kearns
Alicia Kearns, MP for Rutland and Melton, said more safety improvements are needed on the A1

"People are dying on the A1. We're seeing appalling crashes," Ms Kearns said.

Many junctions on a stretch through Lincolnshire, Rutland and Leicestershire involve crossing a busy dual carriageway to join traffic flowing the opposite way.

Ms Kearns described the junctions as "dangerous and mad".

A driver died after crashing through the central reservation in Lincolnshire in early May.

junction on the a1
MP Alicia Kearns has launched a survey asking people what changes they would like to see on the A1

National Highways said it has invested £9m in safety improvements for the A1 in the last year.

Programme Development Manager Ian Doust said they are also planning to invest "£10m on upgraded signage, high friction surfacing at junctions, solar powered LED road studs and LED lighting upgrades between Great Ponton and Balderton" this autumn.

“We are also investigating junction improvements and gap closures along the route although this will be in the longer term," he added.

Cllr Richard Davies, who is responsible for highways at Lincolnshire County Council, said: "A few bits of paint and a few more signs aren't going to cut it."

"The road needs upgrading properly and the government needs to take this issue seriously."

Ms Kearns said the crossings were her "immediate priority" but she is meeting the roads minister to discuss a "long term plan" from the government.

"I need highways to come to the A1 and work with me to work out what is feasible, what are the alternatives?"

"Do we want to make the A1 three-lane full motorway standard or do we just want to close some of these crossings?" she said.

The MP has launched a survey asking people what changes they would like to see on the A1.

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