Highways Agency

Public consultation - september 2004

Introduction

The Highways Agency is responsible for the management, maintenance,operation and improvement of the trunk roads and motorways in England.A Route Management Strategy (RMS) is being prepared for the A5 whichidentifies and collates existing problems and issues along the route, includingfuture planning and development issues. These, based on the route objectivesand functions, are planned and prioritised to define a 10-year vision for theroute. This identifies types of improvements or ‘Route Outcomes’ that theHighways Agency will seek to achieve for the route.

A draft RMS has been developed for the management of the A5 which followsa detailed study of the route including consultation with regional stakeholders.This leaflet provides a summary of the outcomes for delivering a 10-yearstrategy and plan for the A5 (from M1 Junction 9 to M1 Junction 18). TheHighways Agency now invites views from the general public on these proposals.

The Highways Agency will develop a Route Management Plan, based on theagreed Route Outcomes in the RMS. This will be kept under review so as tobest meet future needs of the route whilst providing short and medium termmeasures to address current concerns.

Route Description

The A5 between the M1 Junctions 9 and 18 runs for approximately 87km(54miles) from south of Luton through Milton Keynes and then northwards pastDaventry. Originally a roman road, known as Watling Street, the A5 is a trunkroad linking the major local communities of Milton Keynes, Dunstable andTowcester and forms the main local north-south distributor route. The route ismostly single carriageway apart from the 19km of dual carriageway throughMilton Keynes and around Little Brickhill.

Route Problems and draft Outcomes

Key problems and issues of concern along the route have been identifiedthrough the earlier stages of the study. Draft Route Outcomes have beenproposed that, together with current and planned maintenance work, supportthe route objectives and functions and address the problems identified. Theadjacent map shows the RMS route and location of proposed draft RouteOutcomes. A summary is provided overleaf.

Land Use and Development Control Issues

As part of the development of the RMS, land use and development issues withthe potential to impact on the route have been identified. Major proposeddevelopments include:

• Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT) — 1.8ha further development
• Daventry — 1000 dwellings +20ha industrial/commercial
• Long Buckby — approx. 8500 dwellings northeast of Daventry
• Towcester — 1000 dwellings +20ha industrial/commercial
• Milton Keynes near Bletchley — 1600 dwellings
• Milton Keynes — western expansion 5000+ dwellings plus 10ha development

The Highways Agency is keen to work with regional and local partners in thedelivery of practical solutions in the RMS. These will be regularly reviewed soas to best meet the future needs of the major developments requiring use ofthe A5.

Summary of draft Outcomes and Current Works

Outcomes
RO1	Improved safety and reduced congestion at theA43/A5 Tove Junction
RO2	Options to ease congestion problems in Dunstable
RO3	Improvement of the safety and environmental issuesin Towcester
RO4	Options to ease congestion at the A422/A5Old Stratford Junction
RO5	Improve safety issues along the A5 in Bedfordshire
RO6	Congestion and safety improvements to FennyStratford Roundabout
RO7	Safety issues improvement to Redmoor Roundabout
RO8	Safeguard the A5 as an Abnormal Load route
RO9	Congestion improvements to T-junction to racecourse
RO10	T-junction improvement at Heathencote
RO11	Reduction of accidents on the 3 junctions atMarkyate
RO12	To eliminate road flooding near the A43/A5 junction
RO13	Improvement of geometry of Kilsby Roundabout
RO14	Lay-bys review to comply with current standard
RO15	Improve consistency of signage standards
RO16	Improvement to environment
RO17	Improvements to Non-Motorised Users’ crossings
NMU Study
NMU1	Provision of overbridge at Sheeplane to improvesafety of NMU (Non-Motorised Users)
Current work (locations not illustrated on map)
C1	Safety improvements at Watery Lane Flamstead
C2	Junction improvements at Markyate
C3	Signals and pedestrian crossing improvements atHockliffe
C4	Safety improvements at Fourn Turn
C5	Non-Motorised User improvements at Rammemere
C6	Lighting and roundabout widening at the FennyStratford Roundabout
C7	Private developer scheme and safety improvementsat the Redmoor Roundabout
C8	B&Q Superstore at Portway
C9	Segregated lane for A508 southbound at OldStratford Junction
C10	Traffic islands for pedestrians refuge at Potterspury
C11	School sign and markings at Potterspury Lodge
C12	Safety improvements study at Towcester
C13	Traffic signals phasing and cycle facilities at Weedon
C14	Extension of 30mph speed limit at Kilsby
C15	Symbol sign diversion routes at various sites

All Route Outcomes will be subject to the availability of funds, more detailed appraisal and the outcome of statutory and other procedures.

Additional Information

More detailed information regarding the Highways Agency’s proposals formanaging the A5 is included in the draft Route Management Strategydocument.

This document can be viewed at the following locations:

Principal libraries and at the offices of:

• Buckinghamshire County Council
• Milton Keynes Council
• Hertfordshire County Council
• Daventry District Council
• Bedfordshire County Council
• Towcester Town Council
• Northamptonshire County Council
• Dunstable Town Council
• South Northamptonshire Council

Alternatively, a copy of the draft Route Management Strategy documentcan be purchased from the Agency at a cost of £10.00 per copy.

What Happens Next?

The draft Route Management Strategy is currently available for PublicConsultation. Any comments received during this period will beconsidered before the publication of the final strategy. The A5 RMS willbe adopted and published. From this, the Highways Agency will developa Route Management Plan and, subject to statutory procedures andfunding, it will be implemented.

Your Comments

Send your comments using the postage-paid questionnaire orindependently to the following address before 17th December 2004:

Mr Simon Ogborn
A5 RMS Project Manager
Highways Agency
Heron House
49/53 Goldington Road
Bedford
MK40 3LL

Alternatively, please visit one of the Route Management Strategyexhibitions to be held along the route. The timetable for the exhibitionsis shown on the tear-off slip of the questionnaire or can be obtained byringing 08457 50 40 30.