FEARS over road safety at the new £14.2m visitor centre on Hadrian’s Wall have been addressed with the introduction of a new 40mph speed limit on the Military Road.

The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre is set to open next year, with construction work at Once Brewed near Bardon Mill due to begin in November.

But over the past two years, local councillors, rural business owners and residents have raised concerns about an increase of traffic on country lanes surrounding the site, including a staggered crossroads.

Now Northumberland National Park Authority, which is leading the Sill scheme, has responded by successfully applying to have the existing 60mph limit on the B6318 Military Road, reduced to 40mph, for a half mile stretch from Winshields Campsite, to a point east of the crossroads at Once Brewed, where the Military Road joins the C307 and U7038 roads

The national park authority has worked closely alongside highways chiefs at Northumberland County Council after listening to the views of community representatives.

The existing tourist information centre and youth hostel at Once Brewed is set to be demolished next month.

It will make way for the new development, and signage confirming the reduced speed limit is already in place.

Local county councillor Alan Sharp, who is also a member of the national park authority, said: “Road safety was one of the main areas of concern for residents and it is vitally important that this is addressed.

“It is encouraging to see the reduced limits introduced before work begins on the Sill as it shows that the voices of local people have been heard and taken on board.”

Park authority chairman Glen Sanderson said: “The road safety concerns highlighted by the community have been a key priority for us as the Sill moves closer to realisation.

“This is why we have worked closely with the council to reduce the limit to 40mph on the Military Road next to the Sill site.

“We hope residents are reassured by these safety measures, which we believe will also help people further appreciate the surrounding landscapes and boost local businesses.”

The county council’s cabinet member for arts, leisure and culture, Coun. Val Tyler, tsaid: “The Sill is a key component of our economic growth strategy and will help attract even more visitors to the county and the wider region each year.

“As work progresses it’s important all the right safety measures are in place, and it’s another sign that this fantastic new development is moving a step closer.”

The chairman of Henshaw Parish Council Coun. Jeff Oliver,who called a public meeting over road safety issues last year, welcomed the new speed limit.

However, he said plans by the national park and county council to widen the staggered crossroads at Once Brewed, are just as important.

“I’m over the moon that they have reduced the speed limit on the Military Road and that the traffic will be going slower past that particular junction at Once Brewed,” he said.

“But that junction must be fit for purpose.

“There will be a tremendous increase in traffic there, and it can’t be left the way it is at present, because it‘s too dangerous.

“That’s what we‘ve been calling for and it’s pleasing to see things moving in the right direction.”