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The Project Control Framework
On 1st April 2008 we launched the Project Control Framework. The Framework sets out how we, together with the Department for Transport, manage and deliver major improvement projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Q. Where exactly is the work to be carried out?
- A. On the A36 between Brassknocker Hill and Waterhouse Lane.
Limpley Stoke element - between B3108 and Waterhouse Lane.
Monkton Combe element - between B3108 and Brassknocker Hill. - Q. Why have you opted to carry out the work during this period?
- A. As this is an important holiday and business route, we are unable to carry out the work during holiday periods. Additionally, the nature of work in this scheme requires relatively mild weather. We therefore have to exploit a very short window of opportunity presented before the peak holiday season commences in July.
- Q. Why couldn't you complete the scheme when the road was closed at Limpley Stoke 5 years ago?
- A. The scheme would have inevitably taken longer, as both sides of the road could not have been worked on at the same time. Also the remedial work required at Monkton Combe has only recently been identified, which is the main driver behind both schemes.
- Q. Why is the work necessary?
- A. Remedial work is required in the following areas:
Limpley Stoke
The slope on the west side of the A36, at the bend by Waterhouse lane, is beginning to fail and is at risk of slipping. This has resulted in the safety barrier foundations becoming unsafe.
Over 100 reinforced concrete piles, ranging between 8 and 14 metres in depth and 600 mm in diameter, will be constructed along a stretch of carriageway approx. 110 metres long. A 1 sq. m capping beam will then be installed to hold the new safety fence.
We will undertake full depth reconstruction on a section of the northbound A36 near to Waterhouse Lane.Monkton Combe
During the recent traffic signal upgrade, voiding was discovered beneath a section of footway adjacent to Monkton Combe Retaining Wall, which has lead to the temporary closure of the footway, whilst further investigations and detailed design have been undertaken.
On inspection the retaining wall is showing significant signs of failure. The small concrete foundation of the wall has been undermined by water running from the A36.
Within the canal arch, we will construct a reinforced concrete piled wall to replace the existing blockwork wall. The new wall will completely retain the A36 pavement construction and embankment.
This work will require the services within the ducts to be temporarily relocated. - Q. Why is it necessary to close the A36 completely?
- A. It would be impossible to carry out the tasks necessary in this scheme with the highway open to through traffic. Deliveries of concrete will be needed, piling equipment and cranes will be required continuously and a safety zone for our workforce is vital. The road is simply not wide enough to provide the required safety zone for both the travelling public and the workforce.
- Q. How will we manage local traffic to both residential and business premises?
- A. Gatehouses will be installed on the A36 at Beckington, at the junction with the A366 and at Bathampton. Gatehouse staff will re-direct genuine through-traffic and advise drivers that the A36 is closed at Limpley Stoke. All drivers with a valid reason will, of course, be waved through the gatehouses. We have distributed "identity badges" to residents and businesses in the immediately affected area, to ease passage through the gatehouses at certain times of day. Badges will not, however, allow road users through the work site at any time.
- Q. How will public transport be affected (there are over 100 buses that use the A36 at Limpley Stoke per week)?
- Please see the amended timetable, which can be downloaded from the Publications page of this scheme website.
- Q. How will deliveries (milk, post, mobile library and refuse collections etc.) be dealt with?
- A. Discussions are ongoing with LAs to determine how these are dealt with; there will be some disruption due to the closures.
- Q. How will we manage potential "rat running"
- Some minor roads in the vicinity of Limpley Stoke may also be closed to prevent excessive use by non-local traffic.
- Q. Will emergency vehicles have access through the closure?
- A. No.
- Q. Is the work classed as "emergency" works?
- A. No.
