£30m Barnsley roundabout overhaul could cut journey times by 80 per cent

Journey times on one of Barnsley’s busiest routes could fall by more than 80 per cent under a £30m overhaul of Stairfoot Roundabout, traffic modelling suggests.

Consultants found queues on Wombwell Lane already regularly exceed 300 metres and could reach 600 metres by 2027 and one kilometre by 2040 without improvements.

Under the proposed layout, travel times on the approach are predicted to fall by more than 80 per cent during both morning and afternoon peaks.

The roundabout would be enlarged and realigned with three continuous lanes, while additional lanes would be created on Wombwell Lane and Grange Lane.

Bus lanes on Doncaster Road and Bleachcroft Way would be removed because congestion currently prevents buses from reaching and using them effectively. A bus lay-by would instead be added on Bleachcroft Way, alongside technology giving approaching buses priority at traffic lights.

The existing Trans Pennine Trail bridge over Grange Lane would be demolished and replaced, while surrounding footways and cycling routes would be upgraded.

Four large advertising displays would also be repositioned: two digital screens on Wombwell Lane and two paper billboards beside Grange Lane.

Modelling found the present junction could become overwhelmed by 2040. Gridlock occurred in 20 per cent of simulated morning runs and 60 per cent of afternoon runs.

However, the improvements could shift pressure elsewhere. Cundy Cross and Taylor Row near Alhambra Roundabout were identified as potential new bottlenecks requiring further work.

Council papers also warn of “major disruption” during construction, including road diversions, possible restrictions on the Trans Pennine Trail, temporary footway diversions and relocated bus stops.

No buildings need to be demolished, although strips of private land, commercial forecourt, woodland and grass verge are required. Most have been acquired or agreed, but compulsory purchase powers are being sought as a fallback for unresolved plots.

Barnsley Council’s cabinet will consider the plans on September 9. Work is expected to begin in late 2027, with completion targeted for March 2028.

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