Plans to install an “enhanced crossing point” on Brook Way, between the junction of Courtlands and Wheatfield Drive [street view], have received minor modifications following a public consultation.
The proposed works include widening and extending the central pedestrian refuge island and installing a 75mm high, 6m long, raised table across both carriageways.
South Gloucestershire Council says there were six responses to the consultation, which was run by external consultants Mouchel on behalf of the Council.
Three respondents supported the scheme unconditionally, one supported it but asked for certain considerations to be taken into account and two objected to the scheme.
A Council spokesperson told The Journal:
“The correspondent that asked for certain considerations to be taken into account wanted reassurance that the road would be wide enough to comfortably accommodate HGVs and that there would be no ‘audio crossing devices’ or increase in light levels. Mouchel confirmed that HGVs would be comfortably accommodated and that there would be no increase in light level or any audio crossing devices included in the scheme.”
“Those objecting to the scheme did so on the basis that the raised table would present a danger to cyclists from overtaking cars because of a narrowing of the carriageway where the kerb is built out opposite the central refuge. In addition, one of the objectors stated that the cost of the scheme was unjustifiable in the current economic climate and generally objected to the concept of ‘traffic calming’.”
The spokesperson added:
“As a result of the comments made by those objecting to the scheme, Mouchel have proposed to make the road appear narrower by introducing edge markings to dissuade motorists from attempting to overtake cyclists through the raised table. This practice is widely and successfully used in other crossings of this type. In addition, the design of the raised table adheres to the latest traffic calming guidance and South Gloucestershire Council policy.”
Mouchel also say that the approach ramp will have a shallower gradient of 1 in 15 to lessen the impact on cyclists as they ascend onto the table.
Councillors on Bradley Stoke Town Council, who had previously objected to a similar crossing on Baileys Court Road, were not given the opportunity to collectively discuss the Brook Way proposals due to an administrative oversight.
The new crossing is due to be installed within the current financial year.
“This practice is widely and successfully used in other crossings of this type. In addition, the design of the raised table adheres to the latest traffic calming guidance and South Gloucestershire Council policy.””
Whereas the existing speed “cushions” on Brook Way do not adhere to the latest guidance – so why haven’t they been removed?
Oh yes, back to that money argument again!