Probe into M18 'danger' barriers

CONCRETE safety barriers blamed for causing a series of high-speed collisions on a busy stretch of motorway cost £600,000 to install.

The cost of the controversial structures on the M18, which are suspected of having been  a crucial factor in several accidents, were put in place four years ago, highways officials.

The barriers, which are located between junctions one and two, have been under the spotlight in recent weeks after poor drainage was blamed for a number of cars hitting standing water and aquaplaning out of control.

The Highways Agency confirmed that it was looking into tackling the problem but did not give any details of what steps would be taken.

After the spate of five accidents in just four days last month an experienced highways engineer said: “It’s a miracle that nobody was killed. In wet weather that section of the M18 is potentially deadly.”

He added: “The problem has existed for some time now but nothing has been done about it.”

Highways Agency officials and officers South Yorkshire Police’s roads policing group are working together to implement a series of changes to make the dangerous stretch safer.

This week a Highways Agency spokesman said that no decisions had been taken as to what new safety measures would be put in place, despite assurances made a fortnight ago that the problem would be remedied soon.

He said: “We are currently reviewing the outcome of the survey carried out recently and looking at measures to help improve the situation.

“We are unable to provide a cost for any proposed works until the analysis has been completed and the works to improve the situation have been identified.

“As an interim measure, we will continue to use overhead motorway signs and temporary roadside signs to warn drivers. We have also stepped up traffic officer patrols on the stretch.”