Oxford: A420 Botley Road (Rail Station Area) - proposed highway improvement measures
This consultation has now concluded.
We're asking for your views on the proposal to improve conditions for cyclists and pedestrians using Botley Road between Abbey Road and Frideswide Square. The proposals are part of the ongoing work by Network Rail to provide a new western entrance to the station for passengers and to replace the existing rail bridge across Botley Road. The improvements are being designed by Network Rail in consultation with the county council. The detailed design is in the process of being finalised although the key features are agreed and the subject of this consultation. The consultation needs to take place now so the design can be finalised in time for construction to start after the new rail bridge is installed in July. The plan accompanying this consultation highlights the key features which require consultation.
- New pedestrian and cycling tunnels – segregated footway/cycleway
As part of the new bridge, two, 4m wide tunnels under the rail tracks will be provided, one on each side of Botley Road. It is proposed that the space will be shared equally (2m each side) between cyclists and pedestrians with space for each user group demarcated through the use of surfacing materials, markings and signage. This segregated shared use will extend from approximately 15m west of Becket Street/Station entrance as far as just east of the Mill Street junction and just east of the Cripley Road junction on the south and north sides of the Botley Road respectively.
- New shared use footway/cycleway
On the north side of the Botley Road, from Cripley Road as far as Abbey Road, the existing footway would be converted to shared use footway/cycle way. On the south side, from Mill Street to a point just opposite the eastern kerb line of Abbey Road, the existing footway would be converted to shared us footway/cycle way.
- Raised Toucan crossing and speed table
A raised Toucan crossing of Botley Road would be provided for pedestrians and cyclists between Cripley Road and Abbey Road, a short distance to the east of the existing Pelican crossing. This crossing would be provided on a speed table which would extend from the crossing as far east as approximately 25m east of the junction of Botley Road with Mill Street. This speed table would be raised by approximately 75mm with the gradients of the ramps at either end no steeper than 1 in 20.
The raised Toucan crossing is proposed to help make access to and from the new improved western station entrance (where there will also be new, additional secure cycle parking) safer and more attractive for cyclists as well as pedestrians.
- Raised side road entry treatments
Raised side road entry treatments will be provided at the junctions of Botley Road with Abbey Road, Cripley Road and Mill Street. These would be raised by approximately 75mm and have ramps no steeper than 1 in 15.
- Informal uncontrolled crossings
At the Frideswide Square station junction with Botley Road, the existing raised informal crossing of Botley Road would be provided slightly closer to the junction, a new crossing of the station arm would be provided much closer to the Botley Road than the existing one, and the crossing of Becket Street would be widened towards Botley Road. These changes are to ensure that the improvements connect well with existing cycling and walking infrastructure in Frideswide Square.
- Expected outcomes
The overall outcome of the changes to infrastructure as described here is expected to make walking and cycling along Botley Road to and from the city centre and the rail station (including the new western entrance) safer and more attractive. Off carriageway facilities for cyclists shared with pedestrians are proposed because of the high volumes of traffic on the Botley Road although cyclists will be able to continue to use the carriageway along this stretch of Botley Road. No cycle lane markings are currently proposed from Abbey Road to Becket Street although they could be added following the implementation of the improvements, if monitoring and feedback shows this to be needed.
Have your say.
Please read the detailed information provided on this consultation and take the time to complete the survey as your views and opinions matter. Your response should be completed and returned by 5pm on Friday 26 April 2024.
Whilst we will endeavor to answer simple queries during the course of the consultation, any more complex questions/issues will be appraised and dealt with as part of consultation process.
What happens next?
The County Council will review the responses and if necessary (i.e. if objections are received) prepare a report to be presented to the Cabinet Member for Highway Management at a meeting scheduled for 23rd May 2024. This will be public meeting at which members of the public may apply to speak. The agenda and reports for meetings will be made available on the Oxfordshire County Council web site about a week before the meeting (please note that occasionally it is necessary to defer reports to a later meeting, and it is therefore advisable to check the agenda ahead of attending a meeting). The Forward Plan of decisions meetings can be viewed here.
