Issue - meetings

Report ES13089

Report ES13089 outlined proposals to realign the carriageway of Southend Road (A2015) on its southbound approach to the junction with Albemarle Road, in order to improve traffic flow and the safety of pedestrians.

Concerns had been expressed about larger vehicles struggling to make the left turn from Rectory Road into Southend Road. The proposed alterations would make this turn easier for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs). It would also encourage HGV drivers to use Rectory Road instead of the High Street.

Alterations to the pedestrian refuge islands and tactile paving would also help to improve pedestrian safety.

Overall, the proposals would improve the capacity of the junction, thereby reducing congestion, improving safety and reducing damage to the adjacent footway.

The project could also be seen as a step towards removing some of the larger vehicles from the High Street aligning with aspirations for its further redevelopment. The junction was identified as a pinch point by the 2008 Congestion Working Group.

In discussion it was suggested that consideration be given to banning right turns from Rectory Road into the High Street to further relieve congestion (with information obtained on the number of right turn movements currently made). Alternatively, a dedicated right turn lane on Rectory Road might assist, but it would first be necessary to remove a Virgin Media utility installation.

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be recommended to:

(1)  agree alterations to the carriageway on Southend Road shown in diagram number 11408-01, as well as the amendments to the pedestrian refuge islands and tactile paving (also shown in diagram 11408-01);

(2)  consider (at the detailed design stage) banning right turns into the High Street from Rectory Road; and

(3)  agree that authority to make any minor modifications which might arise as a result of the detailed design of the scheme be delegated to the Executive Director of Environment and Community Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder and Ward Members.