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Proposed improvements at Lower Downs Bridge - Lower Downs Road
Update -16 July 2010
Representations received from residents regarding the proposals, along with officers’ recommendations, were reported to the Cabinet Member for Environmental Sustainability and Regeneration on 7 July 2010, who has agreed to proceed with the implementation of the proposals.
See also
Informal consultation - June 2010
You will be aware of the problems associated with the narrow (single lane) tunnel which carries both pedestrian and vehicular traffic under the railway in Lower Downs Road.
The Council is aware of local concern regarding the narrow footway and pools of water that cover areas of the road during periods of heavy rain. Residents tell us that it is sometimes very difficult to go through the tunnel, particularly with children, and they have expressed concern for their safety.
Possible future scheme
The Council is currently investigating the possibility of creating a pedestrian and cycle tunnel alongside the existing structure (going through the embankment). This feasibility work is ongoing and engineering options are being developed. Subject to the outcome of this ongoing investigation and discussion with Network Rail, the Council will be seeking funding from Transport for London to take the scheme to the next design stage - we will keep you informed of any progress we make. We do not anticipate any adverse impact on residential property at this stage.
Ideally, the Council would like to see the bridge rebuilt. This would improve conditions for all users of the tunnel and for local residents who live adjacent to the structure given the amount of queuing and vehicle acceleration and braking that takes place along this section of Lower Downs Road. Unfortunately this option is expensive and unlikely to be a priority for Network Rail who are responsible for the structure.
Proposed short term scheme
In the meantime the Council would like to improve conditions through the existing tunnel using funds we have secured from Transport for London. A scheme has been developed as shown on the plan overleaf. The scheme is intended to create a safer environment under the bridge and the key features include:
- a minor widening of the footway in the tunnel (with a reduced carriageway width) and installation of a minor build out on the non-footway side to keep vehicles central to the bridge arch - the narrower carriageway width should help reduce vehicle speeds;
- the installation of bollards on the widened footway that will create a physical separation between cars and pedestrians;
- the installation of two cycle friendly (sinusoidal) road humps, one either side of the bridge, to further encourage reduced vehicle speeds;
- Resolving the surface water drainage problem under the bridge;
- provision of advanced bridge height warning signs in Kingston Road and Worple Road to help reduce bridge strikes and traffic problems.
How to make your views count
Before proceeding further the Council would like your views on the proposals. Please refer to the plan for further details of the scheme
The consultation period ended on Friday 2 July 2010
The Council is committed to improving conditions for pedestrians and comments received maybe able to enhance the scheme and influence the decision to proceed with elements of the scheme.
Please note that in view of the number of responses received during public consultation exercises it will not be possible to reply individually to each respondent.
What happens next
Following completion of this consultation exercise, the Cabinet Member for Environment Sustainability and Regeneration will be consulted for a final decision on the proposed short term scheme. Subject to the Cabinet Member’s agreement, and following a statutory requirement to advertise by Notice the proposed two road humps, construction works are programmed during the summer holidays towards the end of August 2010.
Nearer the time we will notify local residents of the timescale for the works (start date and expected duration).
For the longer term proposal to construct a new pedestrian/ cycle tunnel alongside the existing bridge, we will keep you informed as the proposal progresses.
See also
Contact us
Traffic & Highways
Merton Civic Centre
London Road
Morden
SM4 5DX
Telephone: 020 8545 3635/3195
Fax: 020 8545 4865
