High Wycombe - new junction opens oficially

UPDATED - On the Crest of a wave, as new junction officially opens

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High Wycombe's most recently upgraded junction at Crest Road was ‘officially’ opened this week (21 September) having been operational for a month following a £3 million transformation.

Performing the honours was Buckinghamshire Council Cabinet Member for Transport, Steven Broadbent who snipped the official ribbon alongside local councillor, Arman Alam and local business representatives.

Championed by all the local councillors, Lesley Clarke, Mahboob Hussain and Arman Alam, the new junction unlocks further commercial and retail development opportunities on the adjacent 'Cressex Island' development and involves multiple improvements to this well-used intersection. The outdated, small roundabout configuration has been fully converted into an 'intelligent' traffic light controlled junction to help improve traffic flows and reduce congestion, especially at peak times.

In addition, the scheme includes a new 600 metre shared use cycleway and footway running from Handy Cross to Holmers Farm Way roundabout, linking two existing cycle routes making it possible to cycle off road from Crest Road to Holmers Farm Way and then to Cressex Business Park via the cycleway on Cressex Link Road. New toucan crossings have been incorporated into the junction for both pedestrians and cyclists along with additional visibility improvements to help motorists. The whole area has also been resurfaced and relined, replacing the previously worn out road surface.

Speaking after the opening ceremony, Steven Broadbent said he was delighted to see the scheme in place and working effectively. "This is the right investment at the right time," he said. "Not only will this improve access to existing businesses, but it provides much-needed extra capacity for further retail and commercial growth and with that, new and much needed local jobs.

"I'd also like to repeat my thanks for everyone's patience and understanding while these works were taking place. It's very much appreciated, particularly at such a busy spot."

The Crest Road Holiday Inn General Manager Paul Pichamuthu added, “The new signalised junction has really improved traffic flow, benefitting our business tremendously. These works were completed quickly and have improved the aesthetics of the area, which really helps all local businesses within the local community.”

Due to Covid, the scheme preparation also included a 'virtual' consultation on the proposals last year, which attracted over 800 visitors online. The majority of those who responded supported the plans and a number of additional suggestions were also incorporated into the final design.