TRANSPORT AND TECHNICAL SERVICES
PONT MARQUET PEDESTRIAN ISLAND
Purpose of the Report
To approve the installation of a new pedestrian refuge on La Rue du Pont Marquet at the junction with La Route des Quennevais.
Background
The States of Jersey Strategic Plan aims include the objective of “persuading people out of their cars” by providing improved footpaths, road crossings and other similar infrastructure. Transport and Technical Services Department (TTS) have been allocated funding by the States of Jersey specifically to implement such infrastructure improvements. The Department has been made aware that it can be difficult for pedestrians to cross La Rue du Pont Marquet at its junction with La Route des Quennevais.
Discussion
A pedestrian crossing survey across this junction was carried out on the 23 March 2010. This survey commenced at 07:30 and continued until 18:00. This survey indicated that there is a continual and steady flow of pedestrians across this junction throughout the day. At its highest the flow resulted in an average of two people per minute over the busiest fifteen minute period.
The surveyor was also able to provide the additional information that a large number of those crossing the junction were elderly and making use of walking aids. These pedestrians often encountered a delay waiting for a gap in the traffic in both directions. The main flow of pedestrians was from the car park on the west side of the road, to the south west of the junction, and the shopping area located to the north east of the junction.
From the survey and site observations it is considered that there is sufficient volume of footfall to warrant an improved pedestrian facility at this location.
The location of the desire line, across the junction mouth of La Rue du Pont Marquet makes the use of a non signalised pedestrian priority junction (such as a zebra crossing) unsafe, and therefore not the preferred option. A detailed analysis of the junction has been carried out using the Department’s auto turn software which has determined that a 1.5m wide pedestrian refuge Island can be provided at this location without compromising vehicle manoeuvres, provided slight adjustments are made to the adjacent kerb lines.
A drawing of the proposed pedestrian refuge Island is attached at Appendix A.
Conclusion
Provision of a pedestrian refuge at this location would enable pedestrians to cross the road in two stages, thereby reducing the length of delay when attempting to cross the road. Priority at the junction remains with vehicle drivers, as existing. There is no impact on the traffic operation.
Recommendation
The Minister is recommended to approve the installation of a pedestrian refuge island at the junction of La Rue du Pont Marquet and La Route des Quennevais. Some minor realignment of the adjacent kerb lines is required to ensure full access for the largest expected vehicles.
Reason(s) for Decision
Provision of these improved crossing facilities for pedestrians is in line with the States of Jersey Strategic Island Plan. It will help pedestrians walking adjacent to La Route des Quennevais and encourage more local residents to walk rather than drive to the nearby shops and facilities.
Resource Implications
Resource has been allocated from the Sustainable Transport Initiatives Fund and the work can be carried out on site by resources from within the Department.
Action Required
TTS to produce a detailed design for the installation of a refuge, procure the equipment and construct the works using money allocated from the Sustainable Transport Initiatives Fund.
Written by: | Highways Engineer |
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Approved by: | Acting Director of Transport |
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