INFRASTRUCTURE, HOUSING AND ENVIRONMENT
LA ROUTE ORANGE RESURFACING AND LES CREUX ZEBRA CROSSING
CONSTRUCTION WITHIN SEASONAL RESTRICTED PERIOD
Purpose of the Report
To approve a temporary relaxation of the controls laid down in the Directions for the Control & Management of Streetworks (2008) to allow the resurfacing and associated works on La Route Orange (between La Moye School and the junction with Rue de la Sergente) during the School summer holidays in 2021.
Background
The resurfacing works on La Route Orange, between Rue de la Sergente and La Moye School as well as the construction of a zebra crossing on La Route Orange at Les Creux are programmed for the School summer holidays 2021 (26 July to 27 August).
Route Orange is a Class 2 route as defined by the Government of Jersey (GoJ) Directions for the Control & Management of Streetworks (2008). The impact of the scheme is high and significant works with a highway roadworks impact of this level would not normally take place during the summer months. However, there are good reasons for deviating from the policy for these essential Highway Maintenance works.
Discussion
La Route Orange resurfacing scheme has been broken down into five phases to minimise disruption to residents and businesses as much as possible. The extent of the scheme is also noted on the attached drawing. To carry out the work efficiently a full road closure needs to be in place from 7:30am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday inclusive.
For the safety of motorists, no vehicular access can be permitted within the working area during those times. The phases have been designed as such to maintain access for all residents and businesses during the road closure.
There is a general presumption against work involving road closures or significant traffic delay during the summer (May to September inclusive). The ‘Directions for the Control and Management of Streetworks’ apply a Seasonal Restriction on La Route Orange during the summer period. The aim of the policy is to minimise the impact of the road works on seasonal / tourist based businesses.
The Highway Maintenance section of Infrastructure, Housing and Environment are seeking a relaxation of this policy for La Route Orange for the following reasons:
- The School holiday period is the only time to do this project safely. La Moye School is in the immediate vicinity, with the many vehicle movements associated with the school, many pupils and parents parking at Les Creux and walking through the site location to school, as well as those that can walk from the south also following a route through the proposed site.
- School summer holidays are an ideal time of the year to do such works where full road closures are required over a long period for resurfacing, as traffic levels are generally lower and time pressures on many motorists are reduced.
- Summer in general is an ideal time to do works of this nature with reduced risk of weather disruption and better working conditions generally leading to better value for money through better productivity.
Significant stakeholders have been identified immediately along the route, including shops, residents (by way of adjacent side streets) and public facilities such as a country park. There are also a number of businesses outside of the scheme whose patrons are likely to be affected by the works including hotels and other tourist centric businesses. There is however an effective diversion route for tourists and residents to continue to make their way to the major tourist destinations on the south west corner of the island.
In addition to all communications with residential and commercial stakeholders, discussions have been undertaken with Liberty Bus Service to minimise disruption to their services. Measures including shuttle buses and diversions have been agreed by all parties.
Conclusion
The implementation of working day road closures, identical to those adopted in previous schemes will provide a scheme completion in four weeks.
The completion of the works during the school summer holidays would be favourable as it mitigates the impact on school travel routes used by buses and parents, thus significantly reducing congestion on the surrounding roads, and eliminating all risks associated with pupils interacting with the work site.
Notwithstanding the case for doing this work during the summer holiday (seasonal restricted period), we believe that the general presumption against disruptive works during the summer remains relevant, it is not proposed to set a precedent for other types of roadworks by working outside the policy recommendations for this essential road maintenance project.
Recommendation
The Minister is recommended to approve the closure of sections of La Route Orange during a seasonal restricted period during 7:30am – 6:00pm during school summer holidays 2021.
Reason(s) for Decision
To ensure that the Planned Maintenance of the Island’s road network can be carried out in a timely manner while having regard for the safety of children and the requirements of stakeholders and householders on the route.
Resource Implications
There are no additional resource implications to carrying out this project during summer 2020 to those already identified to carry out the work.
Action Required
Officers to liaise with Road Works Section to arrange for the permit to be issued to carry out the resurfacing of a major part of La Route Orange during summer 2021.
Written by: | Principal Engineer, Highways and Infrastructure |
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Approved by: | Head of Transport, Highways and Infrastructure |
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Endorsed by: | Director of Operations and Transport |
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