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Town Centre Improvement Plan information

Category: Road Works and Utilities

Resurfacing – Felbridge Close, East Grinstead

Posted on by Andrew Taylor

WSCC are to resurface Felbridge Close on Tuesday 14th August. This road was supposed to be part of the micro-surfacing programme and was going to go ahead later in the month, but during planing and prep work it became apparent that there is damage to the structure of the carriageway which makes it unsuitable for micro-surfacing. It will therefore be resurfaced.

WSCC have advised that they have mail dropped all residents and the dentist surgery to limit the inconvenience while the work is carried out.

Average Speed Cameras protecting A23 roadworks

Posted on by Andrew Taylor

With work on a major road upgrade on the A23 underway, drivers are being reminded about the importance of sticking to the 40mph speed limit through the roadworks.

Average speed cameras are in place between Handcross and Warninglid to enforce the speed limit, the first time such cameras have been used in Sussex. The cameras, which are installed and operated by Sussex Safer Roads Partnership (SSRP), will help to keep the road operating safely while narrow lanes and a changing road layout are in place throughout the two year project.

The Highways Agency is widening the A23 from two lanes to three in each direction to make journeys quicker and more reliable, and improving access to Gatwick airport from the south. It will also improve safety by straightening out the road, improving visibility and removing direct unsafe turnings on to and off the A23.

Andy Reohorn, Camera Team Operational Supervisor at the SSRP, said:

“Average speed cameras offer a much more effective method of managing safe speeds along a section of road than could be achieved with either mobile or fixed speed camera enforcement. Initial indications from the A23 Average Speed Camera system show that the vast majority of motorists are complying with the 40mph speed limit, which is good news.

“However, with 65,000 vehicles using this section of the A23 every day, even 1% non-compliance means that around 650 drivers a day are putting themselves and others in danger, as well as running the risk of prosecution.”

Average Speed Cameras use Automatic Number Plate Recognition software to record a vehicle’s details as they enter and exit the protect zone. The time taken to travel through the zone can then be used to calculate the average speed for the vehicle. Processing of any offences detected by the system will take place in exactly the same way as for other types of enforcement, with Speed Awareness Courses offered where appropriate.

The system – known as SPECS3 and developed by a company called Vysionics – has been being tested and calibrated since installation at the end of June. Although no offences have been processed while the installation period has taken place, the system has been registering when vehicles exceed the 40mph speed limit.

Chris Bacon, the Highways Agency project manager in charge of the improvement project, agreed with the safety benefits of the cameras, and added that it is vitally important that motorists drive with extra care through roadworks.

Chris Bacon said:

“Road workers work in a dangerous environment, only feet away from moving traffic, and deserve respect and consideration from drivers. Driving through a mile of road works at 40mph takes less than 40 seconds longer than it does at 70mph but that difference can save lives.

“For us, the best speed camera is the one that takes no fines at all, but encourages drivers to stick to the limit. Here on the A23, they are playing a vital role in allowing us to keep two narrow lanes of traffic safely open in each direction at virtually all times, and therefore keeping any congestion during the work to an absolute minimum.”

To help motorists navigate the road works, plan their journeys and avoid potential disruptions, the Highways Agency carries detailed information on their website – www.highways.gov.uk.

Information will also be carried on the SSRP’s website (www.SussexSaferRoads.gov.uk) throughout the scheme’s duration.

Temporary Road Closure – Turners Hill Rd Worth

Posted on by Andrew Taylor

Turners Hill Road, Worth, at the bend and road outside High Cottage and Keeper’s Cottage is temporarily prohibited from Monday 22 October 2012 – Friday 26 October 2012.

This closure is necessary to allow for the removal and relaying of high friction surfacing as part of a Local Safety Scheme. The works are for West Sussex County Council and to be implemented by Balfour Beatty.

Temporary Road Closure – Turners Hill Rd Worth

Proposed Works on Paddockhurst Road

Posted on by Andrew Taylor

Notification from West Sussex County Council below:

You may be aware that as part of our Safer Routes to School (SRTS) programme, we have been supporting Worth Abbey in its aspiration to reduce the existing speed limit along Paddockhurst Road together with assisting with the implementation of measures to improve pedestrian access.

I am pleased to be able to report that a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) has be progressed and we are currently proposing to bring the Order into operation on 15th August 2012.

This will coincide with the delivery of pedestrian access measures which are being undertaken by the Abbey under licence from the County Council.

Traffic management will be necessary as part of this important improvement but will be designed to minimise any unnecessary delay to road users.

The project team are aware that there are simultaneous managed works being undertaken by Southern Gas Networks on the A22 and there is a possibility of some additional congestion for the duration of these works.  However, it is important that these improvements are completed before the new school term in September.