Construction works

What works are taking place?

Construction works are expected to start in February 2024, with an estimated completion date in September 2024. The works have been divided into three phases, see the current project status section for further details.

Following the different options, surveys, and public consultation, WSP developed the above design, which uses an informal layout. This approach has been successfully used on many other schemes, including Poynton, Coventry City Centre, and Ponders End in London. In these examples, vehicles move more slowly through the junction than they would in a traditional layout.

The design hopes to achieve the following:

• Strong visibility: The approaches would be located to make clear to drivers that they are travelling from the public highway into a shared environment. Advance Directions signs (ADS) will also be provided on each approach.
• Provide a high-quality street environment: high-quality carriageway, footway, and street furniture materials have been proposed to create a stronger orientation away from vehicles.
• Remove any priority at the junction: an informal street layout will be provided at the two existing mini-roundabouts to redress the balance between vehicles and other users. This will be achieved by removing all traditional road markings and transforming the centre from a junction to a landmark. The mini roundabouts will be marked with a circular leaf pattern.
• Courtesy crossings at commonly used paths: The crossings will be placed in areas where pedestrians typically prefer to cross, in a very similar location to the existing crossing. Courtesy crossings will also be provided at the approaches as they provide short opportunities to cross the street, which is particularly helpful to people with disabilities. In addition, the visibility splays at the proposed crossing are as good or better than the existing ones as existing planting will be cut back and street furniture moved.
• Prioritise the shopping parade for pedestrians: Car parking currently dominates the area in front of the shops. While vehicle access is essential, this area will be improved to prioritise pedestrians while keeping service access and parking. This will be achieved using high-quality materials and rearranging the parking layout.
• Improved school access: The Avery Corner car park entrance will be widened to allow two-way movement and the approach will be designed to give stronger pedestrian priority. Subject to ongoing land acquisition in this area.
• Introduction of “blended” crossings: We have proposed to include a “blended” pedestrian crossing at the Avery Corner car park entrance which forces drivers to slow down and gives pedestrians priority.

Has this approach been tried before?

Yes, this approach has been used in other parts of the UK, including Exhibition Road, Bexleyheath Town Centre, Ponders End, and Poynton. It is worth noting that the Poynton, Bexleyheath Town Centre, and Exhibition Road schemes have won awards.

When will construction work start and finish?

Major works like the carriageway are expected to start in February 2024, with an estimated completion date in September 2024. Currently, we have begun the planning phase of this project. The planning phase will continue until the construction works start. During this phase, we will be focusing on developing comprehensive plans to reduce any potential disruptions. We are working to ensure that the project is carried out efficiently, and every effort is being made to minimise disruption to businesses, schools, and residents in the area.

Will there be any works before the construction begins?

There will be some initial survey works carried out in order to gather crucial information for this project. The survey information collected is essential to ensure the success of the upcoming construction works.

The survey works will start from the 19th September until the 26th October 2023. To minimise disruptions in the area, we have scheduled the survey activities to take place during night hours. We have planned the heavier construction activities to take place from 8 PM until midnight. Subsequently, from midnight up to 6 AM, we will be carrying out hand-digging works. While we have taken measures to minimise any disturbances, please be aware that during these periods, you may experience slight vibrations and noise. Our goal is to keep these to an absolute minimum and ensure that they do not cause any significant inconvenience to you or the surrounding area.

Furthermore, the surveys will be divided into seven distinct areas, see the map below which will provide you with a visual representation of the dates within Table 2 below

Please be advised that the dates for our survey work are subject to change. While we strive to adhere to the initially proposed schedule, various factors such as weather conditions, unforeseen technical challenges, or other logistical considerations may need adjustments to the survey dates. Rest assured that we will make every effort to communicate any changes in a timely manner and minimise any inconvenience this may cause.