Thorpe Hamlet traffic calming
In August 2023 Norfolk County Council and the Transport for Norwich (TfN) partnership asked for feedback on proposed highway improvements in the Thorpe Hamlet area. It is also the intention to provide a 20mph speed limit covering much of the local area.
This project aims to reduce traffic speeds across Thorpe Hamlet and improve safety for all road users.
Read on for more information on the project.
What's being proposed and why
As you may be aware, a scheme was completed in autumn 2022, in the vicinity of the Foundry Bridge junction which included restricting southbound traffic along Thorpe Road between Lower Clarence Road and Riverside Road and we have been closely monitoring the effect this has had on vehicle 'speeds' and 'traffic flows' within Thorpe Hamlet.
Traffic data was gathered prior to the commencement of the Foundry Bridge/Rail Station works and again following its completion. The aim was to analyse the effect that the scheme has had on local traffic movements.
Following integration of the traffic flow and speed data, it was found that, in some circumstances, traffic flows have reduced, and the speeds on many roads remain very similar to 'pre-bus gate' levels and in some cases are in fact lower.
It was however found that, vehicular traffic using Rosary Road has increased slightly since the 'bus gate' became operational, however it appears vehicular speeds have remained relatively consistent. Consideration was also given to vehicles utilising Chalk Hill Road and St Matthews Road, to determine if any access restrictions such as 'one-ways' or banning movements in or out of these roads was deemed appropriate. Looking at the traffic data, there has not been a significant increase in vehicle speeds or flows along these roads and as such we do not intend to propose any changes within these roads.
Mean speeds along Rosary Road itself were recorded at 25.3mph and these are considered slightly higher than would be hoped for providing a 20mph speed limit, hence it is proposed to provide traffic calming in the form of road humps and to place the existing zebra crossing on a raised table. Please note, it is not proposed to provide physical calming measures at the eastern end of Rosary Road due to the lower recorded speeds (as it is felt that the existing 'on street' parking in this area acts as traffic calming).
The proposals
As part of the planned highway improvements, we consulted on proposals to:
- Introduce a 20mph speed limit zone in various roads of Thorpe Hamlet (it is felt that the existing 'natural' calming features, such as road geometry and on street parking etc. will continue to constrain speeds close to 20mph and therefore only signage is being promoted on these roads. It is therefore felt compliance to a proposed 20mph without the need for introduction of physical traffic calming features, except for Rosary Road and Wolfe Road will be acceptable
- Provide traffic calming in the form of road humps along Rosary Road, including placing the existing zebra crossing on a raised table
- Provide traffic calming in the form of road humps along Wolfe Road, in the vicinity of Lionwood Junior School
- Introduce a 20mph speed limit along High Green, the southern section of Telegraph Lane East, Cotman Road, Wellesley Avenue South, Cintra Road and Heathside Road
- Removal of two vehicle activated signs that are currently located in Rosary Road
These improvements are funded by the Department for Transport's Transforming Cities Fund and a contribution from Norfolk County Council's Local Member Fund. The Transforming Cities Fund can only be spent on improvements to the highway network.
We are aware there have been some issues with non-compliance following the changes on Thorpe Road.
Further remedial works to remedy this are already in hand and details will be communicated to local residents once dates are confirmed in our forward programme.
Consultation feedback
A preliminary consultation was carried out between 11 August and 17 September 2023 and included letters to 1762 properties in the Thorpe Hamlet area. 128 residents completed the online survey with 85 per cent of responses in support of the projects overall aims.
All comments and representations received during the preliminary consultation have been fully considered and responses provided and we are grateful to everyone who took part for sharing their views.
Next steps
We have now formally advertised the required Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) and Notices, to facilitate traffic calming measures in the Thorpe Hamlet area.
Following the consultation the vehicle activated signs currently located on Rosary Road will remain in place.
The plan and all related documents can be accessed via the Citizen Space portal.
Alternative formats can be provided on request and residents have until 4 June to lodge any formal objections.
If approved it is hoped construction would be carried out in the summer school holidays to limit disruption in the local area.
This webpage above will be kept up to date with the latest progress and information.
Background
The Department for Transport (DfT) has awarded £32m of funding to TfN from the Transforming Cities Fund to deliver a range of schemes across Greater Norwich. These projects aim to improve access to jobs, training and retail by supporting improvements to sustainable modes of transport, while also responding to issues around air quality. More information about our application to the DfT and all the proposed schemes can be found at www.norfolk.gov.uk/transformingcities. You can also read more about previous, current and future TfN projects by visiting www.norfolk.gov.uk/tfn.
