Cyclists and pedestrians could be put in danger under a new design planned for a major route through Hinckley and Burbage, a councillor has warned.
The £5 million project for Rugby Road from Leicestershire County Council will include changes to the Brookside junction in Burbage, where a second lane is to be built southbound immediately after the junction.
Installing the new lane will mean removing a footpath, and as the road goes up a steep hill, there are concerns that cyclists could find the incline too hard to pedal up and then have nowhere to dismount.
Councillor Paul Williams, who represents Sketchley and Stretton on Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, said: “I consider that the elimination of the footpath of the southbound carriageway up Sketchley Hill will make cycling up the hill dangerous, as the hill is difficult for all but the fittest cyclist.”
He wrote a series of comments about the revamp of the Brookside junction, with his concerns to be forwarded to the County Cabinet when they consider the future of the scheme.
The layout of the project had been revised after feedback from a consultation last year, and coun Williams welcomed some changes while remaining “sceptical” about other aspects.
Councillor William's comments
- The provision of the new right-hand turn marking for northbound traffic into Brookside is a welcome change, however from the plan given it is less than clear how south bound traffic will make a right hand turn into Dudley Rise. I would welcome confirmation this has been considered.
- The retention of the mature trees is welcome, however, I would request confirmation that tree specialists are consulted to ensure retaining wall footings will not compromise the tree roots.
- I consider that the elimination of the footpath of the southbound carriageway up Sketchley Hill will make cycling up the hill dangerous, as the hill is difficult for all but the fittest cyclist. The route up the service road is even more difficult and thus the scheme will need to make sure cyclists are adequately advised of the danger and that only the service road should be used.
- The loss of the pedestrian footpath northbound on the east side could trap pedestrians at the point of the uncontrolled crossing and thus force a crossing at this point. Steps should be in place to ensure pedestrians walking northbound are advised that the route is blocked further down the hill and advise transfer to the service road using a suitable footpath.
- The scheme would benefit from Keep Clear signs to allow southbound traffic turning into Hillside Road to turn across the traffic when queues are forming northbound for the traffic lights. This will prevent right-turning traffic from holding flow southbound on Rugby Road. A similar benefit will be associated with the Aldridge Road turn further along Rugby Road.
In terms of the need, benefit and risks of providing two lanes southbound, merging halfway up the hill, I remain sceptical of the balanced benefit. I must rely upon the expert modelling that has been carried out by the project team, of the overall cost benefit analysis.
The wider project includes adding a left turn lane on to Rugby Road from Hawley Road in Hinckley, meaning additional land is needed from the corner of the junction.
Safety improvements for pedestrians and cyclists are also part of the package, to be implemented in the Granville Road, Spa Lane, London Road and Coventry Road areas.
A new residents parking zone and a review of town centre parking facilities is also set to take place as part of the major project.
Councillor Blake Pain, cabinet member for environment and transport, said previously: “Rugby Road is a key route in Hinckley and it’s important we continue to invest in our transport network as the borough grows, with new homes, jobs and communities.
More Hinckley news
“If approved by cabinet, these proposals will improve sustainable transport options in and out of the town with quicker and more reliable journeys and encourage walking and cycling where possible.”
The plans were discussed at Scrutiny on March 5 and were due to go before the Cabinet this week. However County Hall is minimising council meetings in line with Government guidance over coronavirus.
