Issue - meetings

Report ES17091

From June 2005 to August 2016, a total of 15 collisions had occurred at the junction of Warren Road and Court Road (A224), including one fatal collision and three serious collisions. In view of their number and pattern, as well as safety concerns raised by Ward Members, the construction of a roundabout was proposed at the junction to improve road safety

Four design options were considered with details outlined in Report ES17091. The options were at the stage of feasibility study. Design of the recommended option (if approved) would require vehicle tracking assessments to check if vehicles are able to carry out all movements at the junction. Further investigation would also be made into statutory undertakers’ equipment at the junction prior to construction.  

The preferred option (Option C) comprised a compact roundabout layout, improving movement through the junction for vehicles on Warren Road with only one opposing traffic stream to manage before entering the junction. Vehicle speeds would also be reduced on Court Road to negotiate the junction. Some land take would be required on the north eastern (highway verge) and south western sides of the junction (land ownership unclear at present). The existing access into Rose Cottage might also need relocating subject to the owner’s agreement and a £20k allocation for the work had been included in the cost of the scheme. For  the value of collisions saved compared to intervention cost, Option C offered the highest First Year Rate Return with a return of 117%.

A number of BT cables, EDF cables, and Thames Water pipes run under the carriageway. Initial assessments of the plans suggest the cables and pipes should not be an issue but more detailed analysis of the information (and trial holes) would be necessary at detailed design stage.

Estimated to cost £148k, the proposal would be funded from the Casualty Reduction allocation in the 2017/18 LIP budget of £262k.

In discussion, the Chairman highlighted that issues at the junction are more than speed related e.g. sight lines, visibility, and drivers taking chances crossing Court Road. The proposals were thought to have a limited effect on  traffic flow.

To alleviate concern for access and egress from Rose Cottage, officers had two potential solutions which would be considered for the final scheme design. 

A Member also asked for the extent of hard standing to be softened in view of access to Chelsfield Village forming part of a conservation area. The Head of Traffic and Road Safety confirmed there would be minimal impact for the grassed area and would bear in mind there should be as little hard standing as possible. Highlighting a nearby bus stop and to help avoid traffic queuing on the roundabout, the Member also observed that buses loitering can cause a backlog of traffic into Warren Road.

The compact roundabout design would reduce vehicle speeds along Court Road including speeds at night time. Such designs were safer and best for cyclists. Any collision would not usually result in serious injury. For  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32