Brighton Cracks Down on Dangerous Junctions with Major Safety Overhaul
Brighton is set for a makeover as safety upgrades kick off at two notorious junctions starting Monday, January 22. Trafalgar Street’s intersections with Blackman Street and Whitecross Street are getting a fresh new look aimed at slashing accidents and making life safer for everyone.
Accident Blackspot Gets Serious Attention
Following six injury-causing crashes over just three years at Trafalgar Street and Blackman Street — a spot plagued by poor visibility — local authorities are stepping in. They suspect more incidents have gone unreported, highlighting the urgent need for change.
- Blackman Street will be closed to motor vehicles at Trafalgar Street, but access between Cheapside and Trafalgar Street stays open.
- The closure paves the way for a new tree planting and fresh street furniture, sprucing up the area and calming traffic.
Pedestrian-Friendly Changes and Cycle Lanes Stay Put
Thanks to developer funding, pedestrians near Trafalgar, Whitecross, and Sydney Streets will benefit too. Plans include:
- Replacing and extending raised road sections for safer crossings.
- Narrowing Whitecross Street junction to ease pedestrian flow.
- Extending one-way restrictions on Trafalgar Street to cut down on wrong-way driving.
- Maintaining two-way cycle access throughout the area.
Vehicle access to Sydney Street will be rerouted via Pelham Street or York Place/St George’s Place, helping clear congestion and boost safety.
Council Chief Backs the Revamp
Councillor Trevor Muten, Chair of the Transport and Sustainability Committee, said:
“These improvements will improve safety in a busy shopping area of Brighton & Hove.
We know the junction with Blackman Street has been an issue we needed to address. Closing the road at one end will create a safer space for all road users.
The upgrades around Sydney Street and Whitecross Street will make the area more pleasant for shoppers and enhance the vibrancy of this part of the city.
This is a part of the city where people shop, eat, drink and socialise, so we must make it as safe as possible. These changes will undoubtedly do that.”
The entire project is expected to wrap up in about five weeks, promising a safer, slicker, and more welcoming Brighton for locals and visitors alike.
