Highways Agency

• A40 Over to Highnam Road Renewal

Why is a bus lane needed?

To improve the efficiency of public transport and to try and make it more attractive, encouraging drivers to leavetheir cars at home and use the bus instead - thereby helping to reduce the number of cars on this route.Using public transport is a much more sustainable method of commuting.

How many buses currently use this route?

Currently there are 7 scheduled services running in thepeak hour and some 17 school buses.

How many buses will use it in future?

When a Park & Ride is in place, the expected frequency of service would be every ten minutes making it an additional 6 buses during the peak hour. However, if the bus lane proves to be a success with motorists opting to use the bus, then the frequency of the existing scheduled services will increase.

When will a Park & Ride be implemented?

It is anticipated that it will be in place around 2011/2012.

Where will a Park & Ride be located?

Studies are currently ongoing to identify the best location, however, early indications are that it will be in the vicinity of the A40/A48 Highnam Roundabout.

Where will buses from the Park & Ride drop off passengers?

Drop off will be in the City centre, where there are major employers. As well as employees, shoppers and visitors will also benefit.

Why no public consultation about the Bus Lane?

The bus lane was included in the County’s Local Transport Plan which was consulted upon in 2005. The consultation process included District and Parish Councils as well as road shows at various locations around the County. Opportunities to comment on it were also available via the County’s web site.

Why not have three car lanes instead of a Bus Lane?

Firstly, this would not help improve public transport. The aim of the scheme is to try and encourage motorists out of their cars - thereby reducing some of the traffic volume on this route.

Secondly, the three lanes would have to merge into two at Over Bridge so no real benefit in terms of traffic flow would be obtained. The cost of adding another lane on the bridge would be too prohibitive.

Can the Bus Lane be used as a 2+ lane for cars?

It is not intended to permit 2+ users to use the bus lane, however, in the unlikely event that the bus lane does not prove beneficial to public transport this is an option that could be considered.

Why can only one lane in each direction be open while the work takes place?

The work required in this area is extensive, involving deep drainage and full depth excavation of the carriageway, which requires a large working area. Safety zones must also be maintained between the workforce and the travelling public.

In addition, a clear route through the works is being maintained for use by emergency vehicles. These factors combined mean that a contraflow system is necessary, where vehicles cross the carriageway from one side to use a lane of the opposite carriageway. As there are only two lanes each side, this effectively reduces running to a single lane in each direction.

However, following concern regarding school pupils taking examinations this year, for the first few weeks we have altered the construction programme to maintain two lanes into Gloucester from Highnam junction until 10am.

Following this, the traffic management will revert to planned with a single lane full time.

What will be done to reduce congestion during the work?

The most effective way to reduce congestion is to lower the number of vehicles using the route. We are actively encouraging motorists to consider using alternative transport modes or travelling at different times to avoid the peak period. Signage on approach routes will be used to re-direct long distance traffic (such as heavy goods vehicles) away from the area where possible.

Gloucestershire County Council are also in discussion with public transport providers, regarding additional services during the period of the work. Temporary Park & Rides, additional train services from Lydney and expanded car parking at Lydney station are all being considered.

To improve traffic flow at Over roundabout (Maisemore roundabout), active traffic management including the use of temporary traffic lights will be implemented to give priority to those routes with the greatest demand.

Why can the work not start after the rush hour?

These extensive works will be ongoing and cannot be ‘completed’ at the end of each individual day. Traffic management will therefore be required full time, even when work is not physically taking place.

Can the cycle track be improved before work starts?

Measures to upgrade the cycle track will be made before construction commences.

Why is it necessary to have permanent signals at the junction with the B4215?

Once the work is completed, signals will be needed on all approaches to this junction to safely manage the bus lane across the traffic lanes from Highnam and to enable
vehicles turning right across the junction to do so safely.

Why not replace this junction with a roundabout or flyover?

The purpose of this work is to replace the street lighting and renew the existing road surface. To install a roundabout or flyover here would be a considerably more extensive project and is not within the scope of this scheme.

Why will work not take place 24/7?

Some work will be carried out overnight, for example the resurfacing of the roundabouts at each end of the scheme, however running constant shifts for the entire period is not practical for a number of reasons. There is insufficient availability of skilled, experienced manpower to run rotating shifts for such an extensive period. There are also a number of residences adjacent to the area of work that would be subject to nuisance from noise and light during overnight working. This is unacceptable under environmental health considerations.

What will the emergency services do to get through the congestion?

We have been in consultation with the emergency services since the early planning stages, and have arranged with them to maintain a clear passage within the working area. This will allow emergency vehicles to respond to incidents without being held up in the contraflow.

Will there be additional public transport services while work is taking place?

Gloucestershire County Council are currently discussing with Arriva Trains the feasibility of increasing the rail services to Lydney station along with additional parking facilities. Furthermore, the provision of temporary park and ride sites are also being investigated.

What about children arriving late for school exams?

During the exam period, we will be maintaining two lanes towards Gloucester from Highnam junction as described above. However we cannot guarantee journey times and
would advise all motorists, including those travelling to school, to allow extra time for their journeys and to leave early for important appointments.

Why not build another bridge across the Severn from the A48?

Even if a bridge were to be constructed, it would not happen within the timescale required for the maintenance on this section of the A40. The road has effectively reached the end of its life and needs replacing as a matter of urgency.

What improvements will be made to the Over (Maisemore) roundabout?

No changes to this roundabout are planned to take place during the work. However, ducting will be installed when the road is resurfaced that will facilitate any signalisation
of this roundabout, should it be considered in the future.

What will be done to the crossing points on the A40?

Following a road safety audit which was undertaken during the planning phase, some of the existing crossing points will be closed, while others will be signalised. This will improve safety for right-turn vehicles.

Why do we need street lights at all?

For the general safety of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians on this section of road, street lights are considered to be necessary. With a number of side turnings on and off the dual carriageway, improved visibility from overhead lighting could significantly reduce the potential for accidents.

Who can I contact regarding the work?

You can contact the Highways Agency Information Line 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on: 08457 504030 or by email to: ha_info@highways.gsi.gov.uk

For more information on the Local Transport Plan, please speak to Gloucestershire County Council. They are available by phone on: 01452 425000 or by email to: customerservices@gloucestershire.gov.uk