ITEM TD9
TRANSPORT DECISIONS COMMITTEE –
HEADINGTON ROUNDABOUT – PROPOSED
PERMANENT CLOSURE OF THE ACCESS GAP OUTSIDE MCDONALDS
Report by Head of Transport
Introduction
1.
This report considers comments received in
response to consultation on the future of the access gap between the westbound
A40 and the service road outside McDonalds and recommends implementing a
permanent closure.
Background
2.
Headington Roundabout is located to the north-east of
3.
Changes to the roundabout layout, including
introduction of traffic signals, were completed in December 2006. The
enhancements were aimed at reducing traffic congestion, improving bus priority
and journey times and addressing accident and safety issues. Early indications
are that these aims are being achieved.
4.
The residential estate of Risinghurst occupies the south-east quadrant between the
A40 and the A4142 Eastern Bypass. A service road runs around the perimeter of
the estate. This is named
Access Gaps
5.
Prior to the roundabout changes there were
two access gaps between the westbound A40 and the service road; one at the Roundway outside McDonalds and one approximately 65m to the
east, outside 304 London Road. The latter gap was permanently closed in the new
arrangement because of the introduction of a bus pre-signal (on an island) at
the end of the bus lane.
6.
The former gap was closed mid-way through
the construction period as the roadworks prevented
vehicles from getting through. A Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) was
granted to keep the gap closed on completion of the works as it was considered
necessary to prevent vehicles from emerging on to the A40 while the new
arrangement was unfamiliar to all drivers. The TTRO remains enforcable until May 2008, if necessary, and the gap is closed at present by a removable
safety barrier.
Safety Issues
7.
Before changes to the roundabout, the access
gap allowed movement into and out of the Roundway at
the end of the bus lane close to the give way line. Most A40 traffic would
either be queueing at the roundabout or slowing to
give way. During the last five years there have been no serious accidents at
the gap.
8.
The new layout has resulted in more traffic
lanes outside the gap. The nearside lane (Lane 1) is not controlled by signals
so vehicles can continue uninterrupted to the southbound Eastern Bypass. Lane 2
is for traffic moving around the roundabout to either
9.
The principal safety concern is that
vehicles coming out of the gap will need to cross the free-flowing Lane 1 in
order to get into the desired lane for Oxford/Barton or the westbound A40.
Vehicles on the A40 heading for the Eastern Bypass will be changing lanes after
passing the signal at the end of the bus lane in order to get into Lane 1.
Conversely, buses will be changing from Lane 1 to Lane 2 to head into
Local Traffic
10.
When the gap was open, vehicles were
frequently observed entering
11.
Many vehicles that were at the Roundway to visit the shops and/or McDonalds were able to
get out at the gap and save a return journey along the local roads.
12.
Reopening the gap would again permit users
of the Roundway shops and McDonalds to exit directly
on to the A40. This is likely to remove some of the traffic leaving the Roundway southwards down
13.
Initial consultation on the roundabout
improvement scheme as a whole, including the proposals for the access gaps, was
carried out in May and June 2004. Results of the consultation were summarised
in a report to the Executive on
14.
“There is enough support for the temporary
closure of Access 1 (outside McDonalds), but making it permanent attracts less
support and the intention is to monitor traffic behaviour on The Roundway and make a decision on permanent closure of this
access way once construction works have been completed and traffic levels
stabilised.”
15.
Further informal consultation was carried
out between March and May 2007 to obtain the views of stakeholders now that the
works are finished. Letters were sent to local residents, local businesses, bus
companies and statutory consultees.
16.
There were a total of seventeen responses,
of which nine were in favour of permanent closure (including Thames Valley
Police and the Parish Council), one raising no objections, and seven opposed
(including three local businesses). Responses to the consultation are available
in the Members’ Resource Centre and are summarised at Annex 2 (download as .doc file).
Officer Comments on Consultation Responses
17.
The responses opposed to the permanent
closure cited loss of trade and increased traffic on the local estate roads,
particularly
18.
One resident of
19.
However, additional journeys will be
generated along the service roads towards the gap if it is reopened. These will
result from Risinghurst residents having an
alternative exit from the estate and possibly from “queue-jumpers” trying to
avoid occasional delays on the A40 and Eastern Bypass approaches to the
roundabout.
20.
Officers note objections from business owners
on the Roundway who contend that they have lost trade
following the gap closure. However, the
main concern of officers is the potential for serious collisions between
emerging vehicles and approaching A40 traffic. This view is shared by Thames Valley Police, the Parish Council and two
bus companies.
How the Project Supports LTP Objectives
21.
Maintaining a permanent closure will reduce
the potential for serious accidents, leading to improved road safety.
Financial and Staff Implications
22.
There are no financial implications
associated with this recommendation. However, funding for any work that is
necessary at the access gap is available from the outstanding budget for the Headington Roundabout improvement scheme. Staff allocation is contained within current
resource levels.
RECOMMENDATION
23.
The
Committee is RECOMMENDED to confirm that the access gap between the Roundway and the A40 should remain closed and authorise the
making of a Traffic Order to achieve permanent closure.
STEVE HOWELL
Head of Transport
Background papers: Consultation
documentation
Report to Executive –
Contact Officer: Colin Baird Tel: (01865) 815536
July 2007
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