DEPARTMENT FOR INFRASTRUCTURE
LES CREUX ROAD SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
Purpose of the Report
To approve the installation of overrun areas to create safer waiting areas to cross La Route Orange by Les Creux Country Park and to provide safe waiting areas for bus passengers.
Background
The States of Jersey Sustainable Transport Policy sets out the goal of reducing car use by encouraging walking, cycling and the use of public transport.
Discussion
Members of the public have contacted both the Department and St Brelade Parish Hall requesting that improvements are made to the area around Les Creux Country Park, especially when trying to cross La Route Orange. The improvements requested include a virtual footway, safe crossing facility and a central island. There is an accident record in the area although none involved pedestrians but two incidents involved cyclists.
The park is popular with walkers and cyclists. There are numerous paths available for walking and a BMX track and jumps for children as well as a popular scout centre. There are a growing number of young people accessing the facilities, the majority of which travel either on foot or with a bike when they go independently of an adult.
A road safety assessment has been carried out of the area. Without moving the bus stop layby, a full crossing point cannot be achieved due to the width of the carriageway. The road could be visually narrowed to help control speeds by using overrun areas similar to the ones at Pont Marquet. This would need to extend across the whole width of the bus layby for it to be obvious that buses will use it. Bus drivers would need to be briefed to give way to children crossing at the overrun area.
There are footways on both sides of the road between the Park and La Moye School and shop. There is a short length of footway between La Rue de Sergente and the northern end of La Moye Garage to the west of the Park. The request for the virtual footway was between the garage and the Park to link up with the kerbed footway to the School. There is already a route from the estates to the School via the Railway Walk. Due to the volume of traffic in the area, a virtual footway would be impracticable as east bound motorists would end up driving in the footway as the road width is insufficient to allow two vehicles to pass without intruding. It is proposed to relocate the part time 20mph signs to the edge of the Garage. This will lower speeds during the School start and end along the length where there is no footway.
Conclusion
The scheme will provide safety benefits, especially for young people accessing the facilities in Les Creux Country Park.
The scheme has the support of the Connétable of St Brelade.
Recommendation
The Minister is recommended to approve the proposed road safety improvements.
Reason(s) for Decision
To improve pedestrian safety in the vicinity of Les Creux Country Park.
Resource Implications
Detailed design by Transport Implementation. Funding will be from the capital expenditure.
Action Required
Handover to design and implementation teams
Written by: | Assistant Engineer – Transport Policy |
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Approved by: | Director of Transport Policy |
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Attachments: | Map Visual image |