An £18 million roundabout has finally opened in a major UK city after being hit with a lengthy delay. Work on the new road design, located in Sheffield, began in April 2023 and was expected to be completed by October the same year, but it wasn't finished until December 2024.
Sitting at the junction of West Bar and Tenter Street, the Dutch-style roundabout works a little differently compared to the majority of Britain's existing traffic circles, by giving priority to cyclists and pedestrians. It features a dedicated cycle lane and additional pedestrian crossings and is part of the city's wider mission to link its centre with the neighbourhoods including Kelham Island and Neepsend.
According to the BBC, Councillor Ben Miskell, chairman of the transport, regeneration and climate policy committee, said: "For too long, people wanting to cross West Bar roundabout to get around the city have had to wait for a gap in the traffic to do so in a safe manner. The changes we are delivering will make it easier for those on foot or on their bike.".
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) Harry Gray, a member of the Walk Ride GM Steering Group, which campaigns for more cycle-friendly routes in the UK, went to visit it. The pedestrian-first concept has been around in the Netherlands since the 1980s. "Pedestrians and cyclists have priority on each arm of the junction," he explained. "Compliance is good, but some drivers are struggling to adapt to the new layout.
Electronic signs warning drivers about the give-way rules were installed at each route to help eliminate any confusion. Still, locals flocked to social media to express their concern. "Without doubt the most ridiculous dangerous idea ever," one person fumed on Facebook. "What a waste of taxpayers' money and fake insurance claims will go through the roof." Another agreed, scathing: "Ah yes a roundabout where the vehicle is the lowest priority, there will be absolutely no accidents here at all.".
