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Changes to be made to Northwich gyratory system
In the next few weeks modifications will be made to the Northwich gyratory scheme which has now been in place for almost six months.
This scheme has been undertaken as part of an 18-month experimental order so that it can be assessed on whether it has improved traffic movement around the town centre.
It has been closely monitored since its implementation and changes are now being made, based on survey work and user comments.
Councillor Lynn Riley, Executive Member for Community and Environment, said: “We really welcome the comments and feedback we have received from residents, motorists and the travelling public, and these have been monitored from day one.
“All feedback helps us focus on how the new gyratory is working so that we can make changes to improve the flow of traffic around Northwich.
“As a result of this approach there are further changes planned in the forthcoming weeks as part of the trial to address some of the issues which drivers have raised and we have identified through our survey work.
“We believe these measures will help improve the safety and traffic flows around the town centre.”
The key changes will be:
• To improve capacity the Chester Way traffic leading across London Road will become three lanes, with centre and outside right lanes having through access up to the bridge. Traffic will still be able to turn right into Dane Street.
• To reduce lane swapping the Weaver Way junction at the Bull Ring from Town Bridge direction only will be closed. Weaver Way will still be accessible via Dane Street and the top of town (Leicester Street)
• Alterations to lane markings along Watling Street to reduce lane swapping
• New ‘Keep Clear’ road markings at junction of Navigation Road and Chester Way outside Co-op to help motorists to join the system.
• The Apple Market Street car park entrance will become two-way with the rear exit to the Bull Ring being closed. This will improve traffic flows at the Bull Ring junction.
Councillor Riley continued : “We would ask everyone to please bear with us and continue to give this system time to evolve and thorough close monitoring will be carried out by Council engineers.
“We believe these further amendments will ultimately help to improve the flow of traffic around the town and will really help when we start to bring forward the key developments that are part of the wider regeneration of Northwich will bring”.
The trial continues to be monitored closely and if you wish to make further comments please contact the Council’s Highways Department on 0300 123 7036 or alternatively, email the contact centre on:
wyvernhousecontactcentre@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
It should be noted that the closing date for formal objections to the experimental order is July 30th 2012. Please send comments to: Planning & Transport, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Phoenix House, Clough Road, Winsford, CW7 4BD.
Ms O’ Brien
Thank you for your recent e-mail regarding the Northwich Gyratory scheme.
Your comments have been noted and they will be included in the evaluation of the trial scheme to assess whether it will be made permanent.
I understand your frustration that you feel that the new system has not improved the traffic movements in Northwich.
Since its introduction, the scheme has been closely monitored and it is proposed to make some revisions to take into account survey work undertaken since its implementation and the feedback from local residents and businesses. It is hoped that these further changes will help improve the traffic flows in Northwich at certain times of the day.
It is felt that this system will cope better with the potential increase in traffic flows associated with the regeneration of Northwich in the forthcoming years.
I appreciate your concerns regarding cycling around the gyratory system. As this scheme has been undertaken as a temporary trial, it was not practical to include in the design for the provision of cycling. Cycle provision will be considered as part of any permanent scheme. We have undertaken discussions with Sustrans regarding the gyratory system and how we can improve the links to and from the national cycle network with the town centre.
I hope this response answers the points you have raised.
Regards
Jamie
Jamie Barron
Principal Engineer
Cheshire West and Chester Council
Tel: 0300 123 7036
Email: engvr@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
Location: Phoenix House, Clough Road, Winsford, CW7 4BD
Visit: cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
