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The Council has let a contract to carry out improvement works at Crewe Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) to the term maintenance contractor, BAM Nuttall.
The improvement works are due to start on 2nd February 2009 and are programmed for a period of 4 weeks.
Background
Since the commencement of the new HWRC Services contract in February 2008, improvements have been introduced to enhance the operation of the site. The most significant changes have been the introduction of a “through traffic” system and changes to the layout of containers.
The “through traffic” system was achieved by the introduction of parallel parking which has improved the safety and turnaround times for vehicles and therefore reduced traffic congestion at the site. However, it was considered that with slight modifications to the structure of the site, an additional drive through lane could be gained, reducing the existing bottlenecks and further improving traffic flow.
Details of the scheme
The improvements are shown on the General Arrangement Drawing, number PD/12722/002 and are concentrated on two separate areas within the site.
The two areas of improvement are located at each end of the central recycling area. The east end is the current public entrance, whilst the west is the turning area allowing access to the skips. The central island will be narrowed at the two existing pinch points to allow free flow of traffic through the recycling areas. This will significantly reduce congestion and queuing times and improve customer satisfaction at the site.
Download pdf of drawing PD/12722/002
Turning area at the west end of the site (2 weeks of work commencing 2nd February)
Works will concentrate on both sides of the island to improve access and will include the following:
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Widening of the existing turning lanes to allow better access to the first 3 skip bays;
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Provision of extra parking bays in the widened roadway close to skips 1 & 2;
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Removal of the bottleneck to provide a dedicated full length “through-lane” to improve traffic flow.
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Improved directional and recycling information signage.
Public entrance (2 weeks of work commencing 16th February)
Works will be concentrated on both the entrance and exit sides of the existing island and will include the following improvements:
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Re-alignment and narrowing of the entrance road to channel traffic and reduce speed for safety;
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Installation of a speed control hump with a zebra crossing to improve safety for the site attendants and public visiting the site offices;
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Extension of the existing island to increase the hard standing for recycling containers;
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Improved directional and recycling information signage;
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Removal of the bottle neck on the skip side to provide a dedicated full length drive through lane close to the skips;
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Provision of a small parking bay and safe crossing for bric-a-brac collection and re-use.
Signs
The existing signs around the whole of the site will be rationalised and updated to the current WRAP standards.
Lighting
Small modifications will be undertaken to maintain the existing lighting standards.
Temporary working operations
The majority of the site will remain open, although slightly restricted throughout the improvement works. Normal traffic flows around the site will be disrupted whilst the working areas are segregated from the public. Clear signage will be provided at all times during construction to direct the public through the new temporary layouts.
It is planned to close the public entrance for a short period of time whilst the improvements are being undertaken. This is to ensure a safe working area for the Contractor. The public will be directed to use the existing heavy goods vehicle (HGV) entrance. The proposed dates for this closure are 16th-27th February 2009. The existing exit will remain open with some traffic management. Advance notification signs will be erected to inform the public of this planned temporary closure.
The contractors compound will be located on the lower skip area.
Please be aware these are the current proposals for site working which may change to suit conditions once work commences.
Contact
If you have any concerns or queries, please contact;
Nicola Bowers, Projects Engineer, Waste & Planning Service.
Tel: 01244 973897 or email Nicola.bowers@cheshire.gov.uk
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