Disruption is continuing in the Mitchley Avenue area as the flood alleviation works continue to over-run. The works had been programmed to be completed on 31st August 2021. However, issues with the delivery of materials and safety equipment had meant the contractor was unable to commence the deep excavation for the soakaways as planned. This has resulted in approximately 2 weeks delay to the works which are now anticipated to be completed by 14th September 2021.
Local schools are due to re-open from tomorrow and the traffic management which is currently in place would have a significant impact on traffic movements as well as pose road safety issues to road users. In order to minimise the impact and mitigate any road safety concerns, the Council has reviewed the traffic management that is currently in place and the following amendments will be implemented from 07.30am on Thursday 2nd September 2021:
- Retain the 2-way temporary signals on Mitchley Avenue while the temporary signals on Buttermere Gardens & Lower Barn Road will be removed;;
- 2 x pedestrian phase signals (linked to the 2-way signals) are to be implemented on Mitchley Avenue
- The footway on Mitchley Avenue in the vicinity of the works will be closed but this will be supported by pedestrian phase crossing points;
- Lower Barn Road at the junction with Mitchley Avenue will be closed and the affected traffic diverted (diversion signs to be erected);
- Buttermere Gardens at the junction of Mitchley Avenue (exit slip road only) will be closed and the affected traffic diverted (diversion signs to be erected);
- Entry into Buttermere gardens from Mitchley Avenue will be maintained at all times (unaffected by temporary signals);
- Advance warning & diversion signs will be erected as per LBC Network Management instructions;
- The diversion routes will be Ingleboro Drive for the Buttermere Gardens closure & Coombe Wood Hill for the Lower Barn Road closure;
- The temporary signals will be under manual control during peak hours – 07:30 to 09:30 & 14:30 to 18:30, to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible.
These measures will be closely monitored once implemented and adjusted as necessary. II am aware that the traffic lights have repeatedly failed and both I and Riddlesdown Residents Association have relayed this information to the Council as if this happens we have potential not just for extremely long queues but also for accidents as drivers and pedestrians decide when they can travel through the works if no lights are working. The manned controls will help.