THE battle to warn motorists if a Dallam flooding blackspot is closed has stepped up with three new signs installed.

Warrington Borough Council has fitted the new signage to warn approaching vehicles of flooding along Hawleys Lane.

The lane has been blighted by flooding for many years around the dip in the road under the railway bridge and it can often mean the road is closed off to cars for some time after a period of heavy rainfall.

Pedestrians also find it difficult to pass underneath it safely.

Back in 2009 new electric signs were fitted to warn motorists when it was closed but there were widespread complaints that the signs positioning so close to the bridge meant that motorists were still being caught out and having to turn around when they reached the road.

Now two more signs have been fitted on Hawleys Lane along with an additional sign on Folly Lane near the junction of Longshaw Street to warn of any risks.

Although recent improvements to the drainage system in the area have reduced the risk of flooding, the new signage will help in reducing traffic problems in the area.

If the road floods, the signs will be activated automatically to warn drivers in advance to take an alternative route.

Clr Linda Dirir, executive board member for highways, transportation and climate change, said: “As a council we are always on the look-out for ways in which we can improve the service that we provide. The new signage on Hawleys Lane will mean that drivers and pedestrians will be warned of the flooding in much more time in order for them to avoid having to turn around and remain safe.”