On the 15th March the Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee will meet to discuss and make decisions on various topics including deciding the outcome for the A259 Temporary Cycle Lane Extension.
At the end of last year, consultation took place on the planned changes on the A259, a report has been made based on this feedback as well as amendments to the plans which feature in this report. Initially this was due to be brought to the commieetee at the end of January, however the revised plans were not ready, so it was delayed for this committee. The report recommends that the committee approves the plans for the cycle lane & authorises construction.
The scheme is being funded by the Active Travel Fund tranche 2, this money can only be spent on Active Travel schemes
What is for the future?
Once these plans are approved, it will be constructed over a couple of months in the early summer. No exact dates have yet been provided but we can expect them to happen in May/June 22. As this is a “temporary” scheme, it doesn’t need a TRO to be approved before construction, instead a ETRO (Experimental Traffic Restriction Order) will be published which can last up to 18 months. Over that period people can comment on the order, at the 18 month point the ETRO can either be made into a permanent TRO, or reverted to the previous restrictions/layout. The first section was made into a permanent TRO late last year.
In the next few years we can expect to see a permanent solution along the A259, which will see the current/proposed temporary layout changed to provide a better permanent solution. This permanent solution will likely include redesign of the whole road, adjusting all aspects to optimise space.
The plans
The plans PDF is available for download at the bottom of the page
Medina Terrace will have its crossing raised to provide a continues footway. There is a potential safety issue of turning traffic not being able to see cyclists using the lane due to parked vehicles in the floating bays.
Raised footway will also be included at Sussex Road.
The junction at St Aubyns will also be improved with the introduction of a contra-flow cycle lane, junction build-outs & improved pedestrian crossing point.
Along King’s Esplanade, there are various cycle & pedestrian improvements such as new raised tables & giving cyclists priority at the two junctions using the contra-flow cycle lane. The contra-flow cycle lane will also be extended.
The existing route will have its markings refreshed, as well as widening the 2.5m pavement next to Hove Street South to 6m to provide a segregated space for pedestrians whilst markings will change to make Westbound cyclists to rejoin the carriageway.
The A259 one-way lane will see a general lane removed to make way for it. Parking will remain “floating” except disabled parking outside the front of the leisure centre.
The bus stop will be made into a bus stop bypass where the platform is between the main carriageway & cycleway, however the shelter will remain on the pavement as existing.
Traffic signals at both the junction & crossing will gain LLCS.
A Bikeshare hub may be located outside the front of the leisure centre.
Lots of sections skipped because they all share the same similarities.
