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ITEM TIC7

TRANSPORT IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE – 29 MAY 2003

COW LANE UNDERPASS, DIDCOT

Report by the Assistant Director (Transport Development)

 

Introduction

  1. The Didcot to Milton Heights Link Road Stage 2 Phase 1 (DMH2) road scheme was opened to traffic in November 2002 with the existing Cow Lane underpass operating under a one-way order southbound. On approving the One-Way Order in May 2001 members were aware of the restriction being placed on cyclists and pedestrians using the underpass and instructed officers to continue investigations to determine a suitable location for a new subway east of Cow Lane.

  2. Following an initial feasibility report in August 2001 it was evident that Network Rail (formerly known as Railtrack) needed to be approached directly to carry out an investigation into the possible location for a new subway close to Cow Lane This report details the findings of that investigation.

    Annex (download as .doc file)

    3. New Subway East of Cow Lane

  3. Following preliminary talks to identify the aims and scope of the investigation Network Rail were commissioned in June 2002 to identify a location for a new subway as close as possible to the existing Cow Lane underpass. The structure was to provide a subway with internal dimensions 2.7m height and 5.0m width similar to Brickfield Subway further east.

  4. Their report has identified a location for the new subway some 11 metres east of the existing Cow Lane underpass (centreline to centreline). Various methods of construction were considered and assessed based on ease of construction, impact on the railway operation and cost.

  5. The report concludes that the preferred construction option is by a jacked tunnelling method which minimises the effect on the operational railway as only speed restrictions are necessary during construction and will provide a low maintenance structure. The increased clearance necessary to place the structure under the railway will require a pumped system to deal with drainage. Costs for the structure are estimated at £1.95m with a 30% variation.

  6. A copy of the Executive Summary from the report is annexed to this report and the full report is available in the Members’ Resource Centre. Drawing No. C102126/101 shows the preliminary layout of the subway and will be on display at the meeting.

    7. Comments

  7. The provision of a new subway has been deemed possible at a location close to the existing Cow Lane and will provide a good dedicated facility and restore 2-way flow for cyclists with segregation from pedestrians.

  8. It minimises detours from the existing desire line and would allow SUSTRANS National Cycle Network Route 5 to be maintained as a two-way route through the underpass. It would also facilitate two-way local cycle trips as it can readily be tied in to the existing cycle/pedestrian network on both sides of the railway, albeit with local modifications.

    9. What Next?

  9. Residents of Ladygrove have continually conveyed the importance of this route as a link across the railway to join Ladygrove with the centre of Didcot. With the Didcot Area Integrated Transport Study now underway any changes at this location need to be an integral part of the approved strategy for the town. Given the high cost involved I would recommend that the issue be referred to the Didcot ITS steering group to ascertain their views.

  10. The high cost of the new subway must be considered as part of the overall funding for the strategy and the principle to establish a two-way link for cyclists at this location needs to be agreed.

  11. If the principle is supported this could be achieved in two ways:

    • provision of the new structure; or

    • utilising the existing structure with closure to vehicular traffic and internal modifications to provide a better environment for cyclists and pedestrians

  1. The Steering Group will need to come to a view as to which opinion should be taken forward with full consultation required to establish support for each option. This would best be done through the Didcot ITS process, in the context of other schemes for the area. The agreed solution could then be included in the future transport capital programme for Didcot Area ITS.

    2. Environmental Implications

  2. The new subway provision will restore and improve the pedestrian and cycle facilities previously enjoyed through the existing Cow Lane underpass. Two way segregated movements will be available.

  3. During construction it is anticipated that an increase in noise would be experienced in the area. Although passing trains already cause a regular noise the construction will extend these periods. Vehicular access will be required to the site for materials, etc and this will have to be taken on the most appropriate route through the Ladygrove estate.

  4. The construction site will intrude on the visual amenity of local dwellings and the new facility will change the visual aspect of the area. Consideration will have to be given to the fencing of the site to reduce the impact and provide security against intrusion by the public. The design will need to include landscaping to soften the visual impact and provide some degree of screening.

    5. Financial and Staff Implications

  5. The report identifies an estimated cost for the jacked tunnelling method of £1.95M with an accuracy of +or – 30%. Funding for the scheme would have to be secured from a combination of developer contributions to Didcot and SCP funding.

  6. The design/construction of the new subway requires a specialist to be appointed. This would best be carried out under a Design and Build commission. If the project were to proceed then Network Rail would have to be consulted to co-ordinate speed restrictions on the railway.

    7. RECOMMENDATIONS

  7. The Committee is RECOMMENDED to:

          1. confirm that a new subway to be located immediately parallel to Cow Lane is considered to be a satisfactory and feasible solution to improving cycle and pedestrian links between Ladygrove and Didcot town centre; and

          2. refer the project to the Didcot Area Transport Study Steering Group for their consideration as to whether the principle for the two-way cycle link at Cow Lane is supported and, if so, for the Steering Group to determine which option should be included in the draft Didcot Integrated Transport Strategy to be recommended to the Executive for approval following local consultations.

EDDIE LUCK
Assistant Director (Transport Development)

Background papers: Nil

Contact Officer: Mike Collins – Tel: Oxford 815877

April 2003

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