Villagers fear big traffic increase (From Free Press Series)

Villagers fear big traffic increase

RESIDENTS in Mitchel Troy fear a big increase in traffic through their village when the new Monnow Bridge is opened next week.

Campaigners calling for traffic calming measures through the village say they are concern Monmouthshire council's engineer's department has not assessed the bridge where the B4293 crosses the Rover Trothy at Mitchel Troy on the southern outskirts of Monmouth town.

Local councillor Duncan Anstey and resident Marilyn Williams say heavy lorries travelling over the narrow bridge at Troy will pose a significant danger.

Mrs Williams said: "An assessment of the bridge at Troy should have been done well beforehand in case a weight restriction in necessary for juggernauts."

Heavy traffic heading south from Monmouth town at present travels via the Dixton roundabout.

However, after the construction of the bridge the quickest route south will be over the new Monnow Bridge, which opens on Monday March 15, and via Mitchel Troy.

Residents say the road through village is already dangerous and is fast becoming an accident blackspot.

A dangerous bend near the Glen Trothy Caravan Park was the scene of a serious accident last month, which led to one local resident being hospitalised.

Mrs Williams added: "The road through the village of Mitchel Troy is already dangerous and there have been many accidents.

"Cars and pedestrians are often hidden in dips in the road. This is a well used section of road as Monmouth and district residents travel to this spot to use the civic amenities site."

Local campaigners are calling for the speed limit to be reduced from 40mph to 30mph on this stretch of road to prevent cars from taking the bend to fast and losing control.

They say there have been a number of incidents were vehicles have ended up in the river near the bend and they want the council to act before there is a fatality.

Assembly Member Mike German said: "It is perfectly clear that Monmouthshire highways department should have looked at this stretch of road from the new bridge to the southern edge of Mitchel Troy village. It is obvious that it will carry a large increase in the volume of heavy traffic after March 15."