Meeting documents

EEC/08/165/HQ

North Devon Highways and Traffic Orders Committee

1 July 2008

Devon on the Move

Devon Local Transport Plan - Scheme for Formal Approval

Proposed junction improvement at Taw Vale, Barnstaple

Report of the Area Engineer (North)

Please note that the following recommendations are subject to consideration and determination by the Committee before taking effect.

Recommendations: It is recommended that the Committee:

(a) approve the construction of the scheme shown on plan no. EATS(N)415-03-00 (to be displayed at Committee) at an estimated cost of 75,500;

(b) notes the results of consultation with frontagers of Taw Vale which will be reported at the meeting.

1. Summary

This report seeks scheme approval for the traffic management works at Taw Vale, Barnstaple as shown on plan no. EATS(N)415-03-00.

2. Background

Report ED/06/56/HQ to Devon County Council's Executive on 26 March 2006 gained approval for the enhancement of The Square and the Strand. This scheme in addition to the physical enhancement works entailed the introduction of traffic orders to restrict vehicular access from Taw Vale into the Square except buses, coaches and taxis. There have been a number of violations of the new restrictions and additional signing along Taw Vale has been introduced to reinforce the changes in traffic management.

The scheme approval included traffic calming and signing improvements at the junction of Litchdon Street to assist the impact of changed traffic management in the area. The implementation of the traffic management measures was postponed subject to consultation and subsequent implementation of a traffic order to address through traffic concerns in the Barbican/Trinity Street area.

A traffic order extending the length of one way traffic in Litchdon Street from its junction with Barbican Terrace to Union Terrace was introduced in April 2008. This introduction of the order was broadly supported by the residents of the area, particularly the residents of Litchdon Street and Trinity Street.

The order has had the desired effect of reducing through traffic in the residential streets of the area however there is a need to facilitate turning of vehicles at the Taw Vale end of Litchdon Street which will be achieved by this scheme.

3. Proposals

The scheme entails the construction of mini roundabout at the junction of Taw Vale and Litchdon Street, splitter islands on the approaches in Taw Vale and the introduction of permanent signing at the junction as shown on Drawing EATS(N)415-03-00.

4. Financial Consideration

The estimated cost of this scheme is 75,500 which could be accommodated from the Strand/Square enhancement budget.

5. Sustainability Considerations

The proposal will significantly improve conditions for walking and cycling in the Barbican area of Barnstaple by reinforcing the newly introduced traffic management changes in the locality. The scheme provides improved cycle facilities connecting with existing cycle routes. The reduction of traffic in the streets of this historic area of the town will significantly improve the quality of life for local residents.

6. Alternatives Considered

Consideration was given to various locations for a turning facility but given the limited width of the streets in the area the current location was the only space where turning of large vehicles could be accommodated.

7. Reasons for Reaching the Recommendation

The proposed scheme completes the works needed to support the major traffic management changes within the town centre and the one way traffic restriction in Litchdon Street by providing a facility for vehicles to turn.

Joe Deasy

County Electoral Division: Barnstaple North

Local Government Act 1972

List of Background Papers

Contact for enquiries: Joe Deasy

Room No: Civic Centre, Barnstaple

Tel No: 01271 388582

Background Paper	Date	File Ref.
Executive	26 March 2006	ED/06/56/HQ

rd130608ndb

sc/taw vale-barnstaple

4 hq 240608