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Division(s): Oxford Cherwell

ITEM TIC13

TRANSPORT IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE –
4 MARCH 2004

OXFORD – WOLVERCOTE ROUNDABOUT

Report by the Head of Transport

 

Introduction

  1. This report considers the outcome of a review of traffic congestion and safety at the Wolvercote Roundabout by consultants Babtie and concludes with recommendations for improvements to pedestrian facilities.

    2. Background

  2. Wolvercote Roundabout forms a junction with the A40, A44 and A4144 (Woodstock Road). There have, over recent years, been requests for a pedestrian crossing facility on the A40 east of the roundabout (Northway). This would provide a link between a substantial residential area north of the A40 east and Wolvercote County Primary School.

  3. Babtie were commissioned to investigate the feasibility of possible improvements to the roundabout, including the provision of a formal pedestrian facility across the A40 east.

    4. The Proposals

  4. Babtie’s feasibility report proposed partial signalisation of the roundabout. Signals were proposed to control the A40 approaches to the roundabout, together with the movements across these entries. This included a pedestrian crossing on the A40 east. It was also proposed to provide an additional entry lane on the A40 west approach for left turning traffic onto the A44. Finally to provide better driver guidance the proposal included spiral lane markings on the whole of the roundabout. (Babtie interim scheme assessment reports have been placed in the Members’ Resource Centre).

  5. It was recognised that full development of this proposal would take some time and it was proposed that an interim scheme be introduced to increase pedestrian safety across the A40 east. This interim scheme included lane markings on the exits to the A40 east and to Woodstock Road and a pedestrian refuge on the A40 east.

  6. The interim proposal was introduced in August 2003. Soon after implementation of this proposal it became clear that a significant proportion of drivers, despite signing, travelling from the A40 west to A40 east were doing so in the wrong lane. This lead to vehicles continuing to exit the roundabout in two lanes even though the interim measures had reduced the exit width and therefore continuing to contribute to pedestrian safety concerns. Consequently the spiral lane markings as part of the proposed signalisation scheme were introduced in November 2003. On-site observations since then suggest that the problem of vehicles travelling in the wrong lanes has been removed.

  7. However, some concerns have been raised about the possible effect on queue lengths on the A40 west due to the single lane exit onto the A40 east. The potential for reverting back to a two lane exit on the A40 east will be considered in conjunction with the Pelican crossing proposals discussed in paragraphs 11 – 13 below.

    8. Long Term Proposal

  8. Detailed design of the signalisation proposal demonstrated that the traffic demand in the peak periods exceeded the capacity that could be achieved at this roundabout. Operation of the junction is further complicated by the queuing that develops on the Woodstock Road exit, (and at times the A40 east), that extends back into the roundabout and as a consequence prevents traffic movements on the roundabout itself.

  9. The Consultants’ overall assessment of the proposed signalisation scheme is that with the present layout of the roundabout, traffic flows, volume and distribution the scheme would increase congestion and delays. It is recommended therefore that this option is not pursued any further at this time.

  10. Babtie have been separately commissioned to investigate proposals for a link between the A40 and A44. This will include a review of the distribution of traffic in the area and its impact on the operation of the Wolvercote Roundabout. It is probable that with the A40-A44 link constructed the overall traffic flow on the roundabout will be reduced sufficiently for signalisation to be a viable option in the future.

  11. In an attempt to address the A40 west approach congestion a provision has been made in the draft Capital Programme for 2004/05 for a detailed cost/benefit study into the construction of the additional lane for left turning traffic into the A44. Subject to confirmation of the budget for 2004/05, by the Executive, this study will be undertaken to determine whether or not to put forward a bid for construction in 2005/06, however initial indications suggest that some benefits can be achieved.

    12. Pedestrian Crossing

  12. In view of the negative assessment of the signalised roundabout option a controlled pedestrian crossing across the A40 east can only be provided as a ‘stand alone’ provision. Babtie’s commission was therefore extended to review the most appropriate position for the crossing.

  13. Two options were considered. Firstly, locating a crossing at the roundabout entry/exit point, utilising the existing splitter island. Secondly, at a point approximately 40 metres from the roundabout (at the location of the existing pedestrian refuge). Because of siting requirements of a Pelican crossing and its immediate impact on the roundabout traffic the first location is not recommended. However the second location represents a workable option.

  14. While this option does not lie exactly on the pedestrian desire line it is considered to be the most appropriate location for the crossing. To ensure pedestrian safety a guardrail will be required to guide pedestrians to the new crossing. The layout of this crossing will be similar to that which exists at the eastern end of Northway, just west of the Banbury Road roundabout. A plan showing the proposal will be on display at the meeting. It is recommended that consultation on the provision of a Pelican crossing be carried out on this Option.

    15. Financial and Staff Implications

  15. The estimated cost of £80,000 for this crossing is included in the draft Capital Programme for 2004/05. There are no major staffing implications.

    16. RECOMMENDATIONS

  16. The Committee is RECOMMENDED to:

          1. agree to stop any further work on the signalisation of Wolvercote Roundabout under present traffic conditions;

          2. agree to the implementation of the Pelican crossing, as described in this report subject to:

            1. confirmation of funding for 2004/05; and

            2. authorising the Head of Transport, in conjunction with the Executive Members for Transport and Sustainable Development to determine any comments received to the formal consultation; and

          3. instruct officers to commission the cost/benefit study for a left turning lane from the A40 west to the A44 subject to confirmation of funding for 2004/05.

DAVID McKIBBIN
Head of Transport

Background papers: Babtie reports and assessment

Contact Officer: John Cramer Tel: Oxford 815963

18 February 2004

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