Agenda item

This report sets out options for the outline design for the proposed improvements to the A19/A1237 roundabout to reduce delays at this location and asks the Executive Member to approve the design and public consultation strategy.

RESOLVED:            That the Executive Member agrees to:

·          Approve the further development of the outline layout of the upgraded roundabout as indicated in Option B to address the road safety audit requirements and meet the concerns of local residents and users of the highway in the area,

·          Approve the proposed public consultation strategy on the outline layouts as detailed in the consultation section the consultation area to be agreed with the Ward Members,

·          Approve the progression of the detailed design of the proposal incorporating amendments to address the comments raised during the public consultation period (including the justification for a refuge on the A1237 east leg junction and a review of the options for continuing to provide a westbound lay-by on the A1237) and to allow a further report to the Executive Member to be submitted early in 2010 prior to tendering the scheme.

·          Authorise the removal of the minimum amount of vegetation from the environmental bund at an appropriate period in the year, in advance of the main contract if necessary, to allow the works to proceed without affecting nesting birds.

REASON: To progress this upgrade scheme in accordance with the Local Transport Plan to increase the capacity of the roundabout and reduce journey times in the area.

The Executive Member considered a report, which set out options for the outline design for proposed improvements to the A19/A1237 roundabout to reduce delays at this location. The report also identified the estimated cost, programme and consultation proposals to enable the scheme to be delivered in 2010/11.

Officers reported that a number of options had been investigated with varying approach and exit lane layouts to address the capacity and safety concerns. It was planned to progress the detailed design based upon either (or a combination) of the following two options, which were considered to have very similar traffic flow capacity. The proposed layouts were shown on plans provided in Annexes 1 & 2 of the report, although it was reported that the actual lane markings indicating right turns may need to be adjusted to meet national standards.

The Executive Member referred to the Officer update which provided pedestrian/cycling counts for the A19/A1237 roundabout. This summarised movements across each arm over a 12 hour period on three dates, details of which were set out as an Annex to these minutes.

Representations were received from Paul Hepworth on behalf of the Cyclists Touring Club (CTC). He pointed out that large unsignalled multilane roundabouts were generally the most hazardous and intimidating for cyclists.  He therefore supported Option B in the report, which added central cycle and pedestrian refuges to the scheme. 

Councillor Moore, expressed concern that the traffic figures he felt did not reflect the current situation on site. He stated that he opposed the closure of the west bound layby, questioned maintenance of the environmental bund and raised concerns over the enforcement of traffic regulations at the roundabout. He also pointed out that he felt the consultation area was inadequate as it did not include two large estates Holyrood and Rawcliffe Grange and that Eva Avenue and Rawcliffe Villages only means of access was onto Manor Lane. 

Officers confirmed that a safety audit had shown that there would be safety issues with vehicles leaving the layby following the upgrading work on the roundabout. They did however point out that, as the layby was well used, they were examining the use of the adjacent Countryside Park as an alternative.

The Executive Member confirmed that the traffic survey appeared to provide further justification for the recommended option to incorporate new crossing islands on the north and west arms of the roundabout. He stated that although there would be some inconvenience for drivers during the works, in the long term, this project would make a significant contribution towards reducing traffic congestion in the city.

RESOLVED:            That the Executive Member agrees to:

·          Approve the further development of the outline layout of the upgraded roundabout as indicated in Option B to address the road safety audit requirements and meet the concerns of local residents and users of the highway in the area,

·          Approve the proposed public consultation strategy on the outline layouts as detailed in the consultation section to include an extended consultation area to be agreed with the Ward Members,

·          Approve the progression of the detailed design of the proposal incorporating amendments to address the comments raised during the public consultation period (including the justification for a refuge on the A1237 east leg junction and a review of the options for continuing to provide a westbound lay-by on the A1237) and to allow a further report to the Executive Member to be submitted early in 2010 prior to tendering the scheme.

·          Authorise the removal of the minimum amount of vegetation from the environmental bund at an appropriate period in the year, in advance of the main contract if necessary, to allow the works to proceed without affecting nesting birds. ^1.

REASON: To progress this upgrade scheme in accordance with the Local Transport Plan to increase the capacity of the roundabout and reduce journey times in the area.