TFL UPDATE. A127 BRIDGE
Following our meeting with TFL on July 2nd and their presentation on the planned actions proposed over the next 9 months they have provided the following responses to some of the issues raised by members during the meeting.
As we receive further updates we will make them available on the website for information
- TfL traffic modelling – the figures of 10 to 20 vehicles seem far too low Firstly we would like to emphasise that our aim in the presentation (slide attached) was to provide some examples of where traffic will redistribute to, both in general terms (A12 Colchester Road/M25/Gallows Corner) as well as on specific roads. Having said this we have reviewed the traffic modelling report and we are talking to our traffic analyst colleagues for more information. In the meantime it’s probably worth emphasising that TfL’s key messages on traffic management are that:
- One point to note is that figures on increase (or decrease) of traffic on a road do not give meaningful information on the delays which might be caused. As a result we are currently waiting for information from our TfL colleagues on how previous long term lane closures have affected traffic flows and journey times in the area. This information will take some time to compile but I will get back to you as soon as I can. We will also try to obtain data for roads which cover the EPAGRA area (as most of the data we included in the slides referred to the Gallows Corner / Town Centre side of the site).
- The figure of 10-20 additional vehicles per hour referred specifically to Slewins Lane, Squirrels Heath (and Mercury Gardens) and does not attempt to indicate how much traffic is likely to divert through other areas. However the discussion that followed focused on 10-20 additional vehicles per hour on other roads (e.g. Ardleigh Green Road) which was misleading as we had not provided information on other roads. In hindsight we should have managed that discussion more effectively.
- TfL undertakes a range of traffic modelling and analyses while planning works (in advance of restrictions such as lane closures).
- TfL prepares contingency traffic signal timing plans so they are ready to implement under a variety of observed conditions.
- TfL monitors and reacts to mitigate the actual conditions that prevail during those restrictions.
Will use of the rat-run directly through McDonalds (private property) be a problem? We think it shouldn’t be as the exit from the A127 into Bryant Avenue will not be closed and movements through McDonald’s site are not changed. It provides no benefit to cut through McDonalds to access Bryant Avenue.
- The right-turn filter off eastbound A127 into Ardleigh Green Road will block back at busy times and cause a problemTfL will shortly be completing the minor signal position movement to reduce frequency of damage at these traffic lights. Our colleagues are looking into whether any more upgrade plans are intended for the junction, but in any case they won’t be implemented until after the bridge replacement works.
- The existing footbridge should be enclosed and widened We are still following this up and will get back to you as soon as we have more information.
- We will optimise the signal timings to mitigate this during the works however it must be understood that the junction has a finite amount of vehicles that can go through it regardless of what signal timings are implemented. We have designed our traffic management so that all of the lanes are opened up as soon as possible and we are also using advance signing to re-route traffic and reduce traffic in the area.
Crossrail Substation Contact
Members have asked for a contact regarding Cross Rail The Network Rail community liaison officer for Crossrail east is James Bates James.Bates@networkrail.co.uk however it is best to use CRCrossrail@networkrail.co.uk as this email is monitored in James Bates’ absence. There is also a general Crossrail helpline (03457 11 41 41).
COLIN DENCHFIELD
Published on: 4 September 2015