“It is wonderful news that these two projects have been short listed for National Transport Awards” said Executive member for Highways and Transportation Eveleigh Moore-Dutton.
“Both in their own way have dared to be different and have challenged the concept of usual highway schemes.”
The A41 scheme covered a nine kilometer stretch of road which was one of the worst stretches in Cheshire for road crashes.
A hard-hitting pamphlet was delivered to local homes in the CH2 and CH3 areas with the title ‘Will this be YOU next’? It followed analysis of crashes which showed that most drivers lived in those postcode areas, were 45 years plus, were driving within the speed limit and were sober.
Five hot spots were picked out – Sainsbury’s Roundabout, Vicar’s Cross Crossroads, Hoole Roundabout and lastly Mannings Lane and Plas Newton Lane junctions where traffic lights were erected.
Crash hot spot signs have been erected following consultation with local focus groups, a red-light safety camera installed at Vicars Cross and improved road markings provided at Hoole Roundabout.
Local people also took part in Safer Driving Courses run by the County Council’s Road Safety Unit which were tailored to the needs of the target audience. They were so successful that extra ones had to be put on.
A £1.3 million project was also undertaken to remodel outside Chester Railway Station.
The revised layout of the Station Square was designed to take into account the varying needs of the different users at what is a busy transport interchange. In particular the focus was on creating greater space for pedestrians.
The taxi rank was switched from the east wing of the station to the west and is linked to the City Rail Link bus. There is a drop off point and short stay parking in front of the station and new bus shelters were placed either side of City Road and in the square itself.
Traditional York stone has replaced existing flagstones outside the station building with the complementary use of granite kerbs and setts, especially for crossing points.
As part of the design and to keep the area as uncluttered as possible, no road markings have been placed outside the Railway Station.
The system is based on no one having right of way, forcing motorists, pedestrians and other road users to make eye contact and decide among themselves when it is safe to proceed.
Winners of the National Transport Awards will be announced in July.
-Ends-
PHOTO CAPTION ONE: A View Of Some Of The Changes Outside Chester Railway Station
PHOTO CAPTION TWO: The Front Cover Of A Hard-Hitting Pamphlet Sent To Homes In The CH2 And CH3 Areas Of Chester, Warning Them Of Dangers On A Nine Kilometer Stretch Of The A41
NOTE TO EDITORS: For Further Information Please Contact County Councilor Moore-Dutton On 07711 817060 And Christine Garner 01244 973407 (Award Information, Dave Thomas 01244 976143 (Chester Railway Scheme), Richard Nickson 01244 973600 (A41). |