Decision details

As part of the A4 Bath Road Cycleway project objectives to enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety, improve connectivity and road safety and reduce congestion on the A4, the Major Infrastructure Projects team is proposing to close vehicle access/egress to the service road opposite Leigh Road, next to Guru Maneyo Granth Gurdwara.

Due to the presence of several heavily used facilities in the area, particularly Guru Maneyo Granth Gurdwara, the Major Infrastructure Projects team is planning an experimental closure to gauge the impact of the road closure to the community before making the scheme permanent or reviewing further changes to the junction as part of the A4 Cycle lane works.

Whilst this access point will be closed, vehicles will still be able to enter the service road via its junction with Twinches Lane and enter and exit the service road via the Westgate Retail Park (near Ipswich Road).

The service road serves both office properties and Guru Maneyo Granth Gurdwara, and it often experiences significant congestion during worship times and business hours.

The proposed experimental closure will involve installing temporary bolt down kerb units at the closure point of the service road and its junction with the A4 Bath Road, introduce speed tables at both approaches of the junction and signage to notify drivers of the closure along the A4 Bath Road. Further details can be found in drawing SBC-TH-MP-00532-EXP-01.

To approve to undertake an experimental road closure of the A4 Bath Road service road access/egress opposite Leigh Road.

- A consultation exercise be undertaken for the Experimental Closure proposal.

- The necessary Traffic Regulation Orders and Notices relating to the proposal proceed through the legal process in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

- Following the installation of the closure, a monitoring exercise to be undertaken after 6 months to monitor the success of the scheme.

- Subject to there being no further objections, that the scheme be made permanent.

Reasons for the option set out above.

Legal implications:

The Experimental Orders and Notices will be made under Sections 9 and 10 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 as amended and all other enabling powers.

Financial implications:

Budget from the A4 Bath Road Cycleway Scheme will be used to fund the experimental closure. The cost of the proposal is approximately £25k.