BOROUGH OF POOLE

TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY GROUP – THURSDAY 8 JULY 2004

REPORT BY HEAD OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

ON TRAFFIC REGIME FOR THE OLD LIFTING BRIDGE

1.Purpose of Report

1.1To consider the traffic regime for the old lifting bridge once the new Twin Sails bridge is constructed.

2.Recommendation

2.1Members are asked to select a preferred option for controlling traffic on old lifting bridge once Twin Sails is constructed. This decision will inform the environmental work currently being undertaken for the Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) submission. Members may choose to condition their decisions based on improvement work to the approach spans being undertaken.

3.Background

3.1The Council is currently preparing a TWAO application in order to obtain permission to construct the new Twin Sails lifting bridge.

3.2The application will include an extensive Environmental Statement which will deal with a wide range of topics including traffic.

3.3In order to complete the environmental assessment a proposal for the traffic regime on the old bridge needs to be agreed.

4.Core Scheme

4.1It is envisaged that the Core Road Scheme will include:

(a)A new junction and bridge approach off West Quay Road.

(b)The new Twin Sails bridge.

(c)A new Link Road across the former Power Station site.

(d)Alterations to Rigler Road including a new signalised junction with Blandford Road.

(e)Variable message signing and signalisation between the two bridges to direct traffic during bridge lifts.

4.2It should be noted that the proposed link between New Quay Road

and Twin Sails via the new Power Station Link Road is unlikely to be

constructed until a later date.

5.Key Factors for Determining the Traffic Regime on Old Lifting Bridge

5.1A central objective of constructing a new lifting bridge is to provide reliable road network for journeys to the Port. This can only be achieved if southbound HGVs are allowed to use the old bridge when Twin Sails is lifted.

Approach Spans

5.2However, width constraints on the old lifting bridge prevent two lorries passing each other. This disrupts traffic flow and creates delays. This situation is made worse by width restrictions on the approach spans, increasing the length of potential conflict.

5.3From a safety angle, it has been recognised for several years that the approach span footways and parapets need strengthening. A bid for these improvements will be included in the next Local Transport Plan 2006 – 2011 ( LTP2 ), which is due to be submitted in July 2005.

5.4It would make good sense to widen the approach spans as part of any strengthening work. This improvement would reduce the length of conflict to the bridge itself, significantly reducing the amount of conflict and hence minimising the potential for traffic disruption.

5.5If the LTP2 bid is successful then work to the approach spans could be completed before 2011. It would be sensible in order to minimise disruption to the public for this work would be programmed to take place after Twin Sails has been completed.

Exit Route from the Port

5.6Every effort will be made to align bridge lifts with the ferry schedule. Traffic modelling work indicates that if there is not a substantial volume of HGVs leaving the Port, then HGVs can be satisfactorily stacked on the Power Station Link Road whilst Twin Sails is lifted. However, in the eventuality of large numbers of HGVs leaving the Port during a Twin Sails lift then it will be necessary to direct them out of Town either via Blandford Road or the old lifting bridge to ensure that traffic continues to move efficiently.

5.7Directing HGVs along Blandford Road will reflect the existing situation. Overall there will be a substantial reduction in HGVs along Blandford Road as this regime need only apply when a ferry arrives during a Twin Sails lift. At other times and all Port bound HGVs will be directed via the new bridge, effectively creating an environmental HGV ban along Blandford Road, North of Rigler Road.

6.Traffic Options for Old Lifting Bridge Following Construction of Twin Sails

6.1There are a number of permutations for controlling traffic on the old lifting bridge. Key options are detailed below:

6.2Option 1 –

  • Whilst Twin Sails is available: Ban all HGV movements, except for public transport
  • When Twin Sails is lifted : Allow HGVs to use old bridge in both directions.

With this option some congestion is likely, especially during periods when large numbers of lorries are leaving the ferry terminal.

6.3Option 2 –

  • Whilst Twin Sails is available: Ban outbound port HGV movements, except for public transport
  • When Twin Sails is lifted: Direct outbound port HGVs along Blandford Road, but permit inbound port HGVs to cross the old bridge to access the Port.

With this option residents along Blandford Road lose some of the environmental benefits of having a new bridge, but less congestion around the old bridge is likely during the lifting of Twin Sails.

6.4Members are advised that Option 2 was included in the TWA pre-consultation carried out in March/April 2004. However, selecting Option 1, or similar, is unlikely to have a major adverse affect on the application.

JAMES T BRIGHT

Head of Transportation Services

Name and Telephone Number of Officer Contact:

James T Bright (01202) 262100

TAG080704T3M

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