Road closed signs in Elm intended to warn people of a closure nine miles away in March are being blamed for the main reason three cars collided yesterday afternoon on a ‘sharp bend’.
People have taken to social media following the collision that happened on Wednesday, July 25 on the B1101 junction to the A1101, asking why the signs are placed so far away from the closure near the prison in March and if they were the cause.
One person said: “I don’t know the details but can only presume that because of the road ahead closed signs blocking half of the road that was a major factor in this accident.
“The road is not closed for several miles down that particular road so why on earth block a major junction. A simple sign saying road is shut at Coldham or wherever would be more than enough.”
The incident on Wednesday involved a Toyota pick-up truck, a blue Mini and a Mercedes. Cambridgeshire police confirmed there were ‘slight’ injuries.
One user on social media said: “The road closed signs are in a stupid position. You don’t know the road is closed until you reach the junction which is a right turn in a sharp bend.
“I live in Elm, and the road isn’t closed in Elm. Anywhere in Elm. Or Friday Bridge.
“The position of the signage is a hazard, and once you’re in the central reservation to turn right there’s no going back.”
The signs are placed in a position that blocks one lane, forcing cars to go one the wrong side of the road around a ‘sharp bend’.
One person joked: “Perhaps a sign that doesn’t block the main entrance to Elm saying something like ‘Beware - Road closed many miles away as you enter March but nothing at all affected in the way’ might be more appropriate.
“Leaving people free to ignore or follow a diversion, but not have a potential head-on.”
An Anglian Water spokesperson said: “Our team has now completed a repair to a burst water main on Elm Road in March. To allow our team to work safely, the road has been closed with a diversion route in place.
“The team is now working to resurface the road which will reopen tomorrow morning, we’re sorry for any inconvenience this work as caused.”
An eye-witness to the collision said: “There was an ambulance there, but hopefully nobody was badly hurt. Hard to tell what happened, so not going to speculate, but I hope all involved were ok.
“It does seem very odd to close the road from that far back on such a busy junction.”
Cambridgeshire County Council has said that it is a matter for Anglian Water and we have asked them for a comment.
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