Local constituency MSP Finlay Carson has welcomed news that the existing road crossing at Queen Street in Castle Douglas is to be upgraded.
Dumfries and Galloway Council has confirmed that the pedestrian crossing will be improved to “Puffin” standard following his intervention.
Serious concerns had been raised by worried families and the elderly following proposed changes to the road layout at the junction between Queen Street and Jenny’s Loaning in the town.
This prompted the Galloway and West Dumfries to raise the issue with the local authority who has now agreed to detailed design changes that will greatly improve the junction.
Mr Carson said: “While works will not be carried out until during the Easter holidays I am delighted that the plans to upgrade the junction are progressing at pace.
“A lot of people, particularly young families, were seriously concerned surrounding the safety of their loved ones and I am glad that the council has listened to what has been said to rectify matters.”
A Puffin crossing is a newer, safer version of the traditional Pelican crossing.
Instead of using a flashing amber light, Puffins use sensors to detect when people are waiting and when they are still crossing, keeping the lights red until everyone is safely across.
The red and green pedestrian signals are placed beside the push button, making them easier to see, while Pelican crossings have them on the far side of the road.
Overall Puffins help pedestrians cross more safely.
As part of the Castle Douglas plan, two redundant signal heads and poles will be removed while the signal controller configuration will be upgraded. The signal timings for the crossing will also be reviewed.”
The improvements will also see a new stopline marking back from the existing primary signal head on Queen Street south-west bound.
Further works will be carried out during the summer holidays including the resurfacing of the carriageway to reduce the kerb upstand and improve drainage at the same time.
Provision will also be made for new road markings, including zig-zag lines, stop lines and new road studs.
