Item 10 - Appendix 1
West Dunbartonshire Council · 22 May 2024
Back to Infrastructure, Regeneration & Economic Development Committee — 22 May 2024 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
West Dunbartonshire Council Roads and Neighbourhood Services Roads and Transportation Team Management and Coordination of Road Works on Traffic Sensitive Roads Protocol April 2024 ITEM 10 - APPENDIX 1
Page 2
Table of Contents 1. Introduction 2. Purpose 3. Notification and Authorisation 4. Control of Timings of Works 5. Traffic Management Requirements 6. Consultation 7. Major Planned Works 8. Additional Considerations 9. Communication Strategy 10. Emergency Works
Page 3
1. Introduction As the Roads Authority, West Dunbartonshire Council Roads and Transportation team have the responsibility of ensuring Works Promoters have the necessary time and space to support the safe and efficient implementation of maintenance and improvement work to the network and the services running underneath it. The Roads Authority must work with Works Promoters to ensure that the impacts of their works on businesses, the local community and the travelling public are fully considered and understood, and any avoidable impacts are adequately mitigated before works are implemented. This is particularly important on any road designated as Traffic Sensitive as works in these locations are likely to be particularly disruptive to other road users. Section 64 of New Roads and Street Work Act (NRSWA) allows a Road Authority to designate roads as traffic sensitive. These will be strategic and main distributer routes through the authority, which if subject to road works will have a serious impact on traffic flow through the area and could potentially lead to disruption to travel times. Designations may only apply to certain times of day, days of the week, or days of the year. Roads may be traffic sensitive at peak times only (7am to 9am & 3pm to 6.30pm) or throughout the working day (7am to 6.30pm) and these times may change depending on the day of the week. 2. Purpose Although traffic sensitive designations highlight that works in these situations are likely to be particularly disruptive to other road users, it does not necessarily prevent occupation during traffic-sensitive times. Limiting the time and days of working on roads with a traffic-sensitive designation must be considered in all instances. The purpose of this document is to highlight considerations which should be taken into account when processing or managing road works by other statutory undertakers on the road network. Whilst the exact nature of any mitigation measures that should be put in place will vary depending on the location, nature and duration of the works and the likely impact on the traffic flow, some minimum measures are prescribed for our traffic sensitive locations. It also provides additional detail in relation to emergency works, which have the potential to further negatively impact on the road network and road users will not be given advanced warning of the works and full mitigation may be unable to be put in place on the outset of the works as the immediate issue resolution may prevent this.
Page 4
3. Notification and Authorisation of Works Road Works and the associated traffic management have the potential to impact on the performance on our network. It is important, therefore that suitable time is provided for any discussions/consultations and customer notification to take place. This ensures suitable mitigation measures can be put into place. The minimum notification periods for works on Traffic Sensitive Roads are defined in the Code of Practice for Coordination of Road Works. Works Promoters must submit their applications for works within minimum lead times, before the proposed start date, based on the category of the works. An application to start work inside the minimum lead time is known as an early start. There may be circumstances where the Roads authority and others concerned have no objection (or indeed, find it advantageous) to an undertaker proceeding before the end of the full prescribed notice period. Whilst permission should not be refused unreasonably, these should be kept to a minimum on traffic sensitive locations as the reduced lead in time will limit the notice that can be provided to other road users, local residents and businesses and local transport operators. In all instances, the Works Promoter should include a valid reason for the early start within their application or subsequent applications. Table 1: Minimum Notice Periods Works Type Advance Notice Notice of Expected Starting Date Actual Start Notice Emergency (Including remedial dangerous) No notice required No notice required Within 2 Hours of Works Starting Urgent No notice required No notice required At least 2 Hours in advance of Works Starting Minor Works (Without excavation) No notice required 3 days notice Within 2 Hours of Works Starting Minor Works (Mobile and Short Duration) No notice required 3 days notice Within 2 Hours of Works Starting Minor Works (With excavation) One month notice 7 days notice Within 2 Hours of Works Starting Remedial Works (Non dangerous) No notice required 3 days notice Within 2 Hours of Works Starting Standard Works One month notice 7 days notice Within 2 Hours of Works Starting
Page 5
Major Works Three months notice 7 days notice Within 2 Hours of Works Starting Substantial Works for Road Purposes Three months notice 7 days notice Within 2 Hours of Works Starting 4. Control of Timings of Works Under Sections 115 and 115(1A) of NRSWA a road works authority can serve a direction on an undertaker, setting out times or days during which proposed or ongoing road works may or may not be carried out. This power is subject to two important constraints: (i) it can be used only where the proposed works are likely to cause serious traffic disruption that would be avoided or reduced if the works were to be carried out at specific times; and (ii) (ii) a road works authority using this power must have regard to the advice set out in the Code of Practice. Directions may be given in the following circumstances: (i) in a road which has been designated as traffic sensitive in order to restrict road works during traffic sensitive periods, and where an undertaker has not agreed to voluntarily curtail his works during the traffic sensitive period (ii) in a road which is not designated traffic sensitive under normal circumstances but is required to carry traffic diverted from another road affected by either works in the road or a road closure; or (iii) where there is no traffic sensitive designation but, by reason of a short-term local event or occurrence (e.g. a Royal visit, road race, major sports event) it is necessary to curtail road works to avoid traffic disruption; or (iv) where serious traffic disruption can be avoided or minimised by virtue of one work site serving two or more undertakers; or where no traffic sensitive designation exists, but the scale of works is such that more than one traffic lane is affected and accordingly the works are likely to cause serious traffic disruption which may be avoided or reduced if the works could be carried out only at specific times All traffic sensitive locations have been recorded on the Road Works Register and any statutory undertaker wishing to undertake works on these locations will be automatically notified when works notifications are uploaded onto the system. As much as possible works should be programmed for completion during periods of lower traffic levels. The undertaker will be required to provide evidence that the below options have been considered and provide details as the reason works cannot be completed during these times.
Page 6
a. During Holiday Periods (Bank Holidays, School Holidays etc) b. At Weekends c. Overnight (where noise will not be a factor) d. Out with Peak Times i.e. between 9.30am and 15.30pm and after 6.30pm 5. Traffic Management Requirements Any temporary traffic management installed on our network, particularly on Traffic Sensitive Locations will impact on the traffic flows through the area. When reviewing applications to undertake works on our road network officers should satisfy themselves that the measures proposed are appropriate and to the right level and that all consideration has been taken in undertaking the works in a fashion which will minimise the impact to the traffic flow. Works involving passive traffic control such as Give and Take or Priority Working are examples of passive traffic control and would not require additional conditions if not located on a traffic sensitive road at traffic sensitive times. These works must maintain at least 1.2m width of the footway and involve no pedestrian crossing restrictions. Works involving Stop and Go boards, temporary traffic lights, lane closures, speed reductions, convoy working, temporary one-way, or a road closure are all examples of positive traffic control. For works involving multi-way signals, the network management team should be alerted at least two weeks in advance with a detailed scale plan showing location of the signal heads submitted for approval. These works are likely to have a greater impact on the road network and so the longer advanced notice allows for greater control for coordination purposes, thus improving the likelihood that works are approved. Where possible officers will promote the use of passive control measures to minimise the impacts to traffic flow however where works do not allow for this the hierarchy of controls will be followed. Hierarchy of Traffic Controls 1. Passive Traffic Control 2. Lane closure only, maintaining one lane of traffic flow in each direction 3. Stop/Go Boards 4. Temporary Traffic Lights* 5. Convoy System 6. Temporary One Way System 7. Road Closure** *Note: WDC has set a minimum standard that all temporary traffic lights should be manually controlled between 7am and 7pm on traffic sensitive locations.
Page 7
**Note: Road closures to our traffic sensitive roads should be avoided and should be the last resort. When required these should be restricted to periods of lower traffic levels. Where permanent traffic signals need to be switched off or are likely to be affected by any temporary traffic management, the works promotor will need to understand that impact and provide evidence to the Authority of the mitigating factors they consider appropriate to reduce disruption to the Road network at that location. It may be necessary for officers to impose additional control instructions to manage the impact of these controls. Road Closures Closure of any road would always be the last option the Authority would consider. Generally it would have to be physically impossible to complete the works by other traffic management methods before closure was allowed, and even then the closure periods would be significantly restricted. The Work Promoter would have to demonstrate that all other options had been considered e.g. the use of Temporary Traffic Signals, using Temporary Traffic Signals outside of Traffic Sensitive hours, working on Sundays etc. The Works Promoter will be required to provide evidence that they have considered and understood the breadth/ impact of their proposals on business, the local community and all road users, including public transport and adequately mitigated any adverse avoidable impacts before they are implemented. If a Road Closure is employed then no conflicting works will be permitted within the extents of the diversion route. 6. Consultation Early engagement providing timely, clear, accurate and appropriate information to all relevant stakeholders is key to minimising the impact of any works on our traffic sensitive locations. This will ensure that local residents, businesses and public transport operators have the opportunity to take any mitigation measures. The Works Promoter remains responsible for ensuring that stakeholders such as Community Councils, businesses, local residents and public transport operators are provided with timely, clear, accurate and appropriate information. The exact level of consultation required will be dictated by the nature and impact of the proposed works. Figure 1 below provides guidelines as to the appropriate consultation levels based on the expected impact.
Page 8
Figure 1. • Advanced Warning signs (Minimum Requirement) For all works on Traffic Sensitive Locations, advanced warning signs must be erected by the promoter at least 7 days prior to the commencement of works. The advance signage should be placed at the extents of the works area and provide details of the duration and nature of the works. Signage should also be placed which provides contact details for the relevant undertaker. It may also be appropriate for Variable Message Signs to be erected in advance of any works. • Local Residents and Businesses informed via a letter drop For works that are likely to impact the road network for 10 days or more (or where works that have the potential to be especially disruptive) all nearby businesses and residents should be notified via a letter drop. The letter should include information on:- Dates and Duration Description of Works Type of Traffic Management employed Information on any local access restrictions Contact Details Details of any alternative routes/diversions
Page 9
• Neighbouring Authorities In instances where works may impact on the road network of another Roads authority, consultation must be undertaken by the works promoter with the relevant authority. The Works Promoter will need to provide evidence that engagement has taken place and that plans are agreed by all parties before works can proceed. It may be more advantageous to hold a joint meeting with all road authorities to ensure that mitigation and control measures are agreed in advance of works commencing. Such works could include:- a) a road closure involving a diversion route outside West Dunbartonshire b) or works that may affect traffic flow on a main route into neighbouring authority town, c) or works that have a diversion or impact on the operation of the trunk road network Key Roads Stakeholders for West Dunbartonshire:- Argyll and Bute Council Stirling Council Glasgow City Council East Dunbartonshire Council Transport Scotland/Amey Contracts (A82) Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority • Local Transport Operators West Dunbartonshire Council understands that works on the Roads network can cause service disruption and delays to passenger transport services. The majority of these works are undertaken by utility companies, the Roads and Transportation Team or developers. It is therefore important that effective co-ordination, control and communication of road works is undertaken with local transport operators to reduce disruption caused by works and minimise the impact these works have on service reliability and punctuality. The Roads and Transportation team must advise Works Promoters if their proposed works are on a passenger transport route and facilitate discussions, through Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT). Where planned works may affect passenger transport services, we ensure that Works Promoters. Engage early with and provide timely, clear, accurate and appropriate information to including public transport operators Work with local transport operators so that they may effectively modify their service routing temporarily (including suspension of stops) to accommodate
Page 10
the works, and have the relevant time to publicise the temporary changes accordingly. The Works Promoter may be required to contribute either partially or in full to any relevant costs associated with implementation of alternative service measures, such as shuttle bus services. 7. Major Planned Works It is likely that all Major planned works will require some form of publicity and consultation to discuss and agree any provisions to reduce the impact of these works. The exact level of publicity and consultation will depend on the location, duration and nature of the works to be undertaken however, upon notification of any major works on the Road Works Register, the Roads and Transport Team will arrange an initial meeting with the works promoter to discuss and agree the correct level of provision and identify any other key stakeholders that should be consulted. As appropriate Discussions should be held with Roads Traffic Officer Local Technical Assistant Roads Network Coordinator WDC Road Works Coordinator Works Promotor Works Promoters Contractor Works Promoters Traffic Management Further meetings will be organised in the lead up to works commencing to ensure that all mitigating measures have been addressed, relevant stakeholder communications and publicity has taken place. The Works Promoter will be required to provide evidence that this has taken place prior to works commencing on site. It was noted during the development of the attached protocols that work in traffic sensitive locations, in particular emergency works have the potential to impact on bus routes or timings. As such additional consideration that notice/discussions with bus operators should be undertaken as soon as possible. 8. Additional Considerations It is noted that whilst major works will require more in depth consultation between the Roads Authority and the Works Promoter, there may be instances where similar levels of consultation will be required. Where the service identifies that the proposed works are likely to have a significant impact on the road network or traffic management proposals will conflict with existing traffic management infrastructure such as traffic lights or pedestrian crossings then a programme meeting should be arranged with the relevant Roads officers and Works Promoters representatives as soon as possible.
Page 11
9. Communication Strategy It is the responsibility of the Works Promoter to undertake all necessary publicity and communication in relation to the works however, it is recognised that West Dunbartonshire Council have a responsibility to their residents to ensure that they are aware of any upcoming works. Where works are identified on the traffic sensitive network and once the traffic management, consultation and mitigation measures have been agreed the Roads and Transportation team will liaise with the Council’s communication team to ensure the works are promoted through the Council’s website and social media. These notices will be updated are required as works progress. The Roads and Transportation team will also provide notice to Senior Management, Local Elected Members and the Roads Convenor providing details on the dates, duration, nature of works, traffic management implications and mitigation measures in relation to the works. 10. Emergency Works Under the terms of the Code of Practice “emergency works” means works whose execution at the time when they are executed is required in order to put an end to, or to prevent the occurrence of, circumstances then existing or imminent (or which the person responsible for the works believes on reasonable grounds to be existing or imminent) which are likely to cause danger to persons or property. Due to the immediate nature of emergency works the undertaker may proceed without advanced notice however contact should be made with the Roads Authority within 2 hours of the works commencing. Once the Road service is aware of the works they should then ensure the required notifications and provided in line with the communications strategy above providing initial details of the nature, location and impact of the works. If necessary the Roads Authority will notify other interested parties such as other Roads Authorities, Bus Operators or the emergency services. It is possible that emergency works may involve large jobs involving considerable disruption. Once the full extent of the emergency works have been assessed discussions will be held with Roads and Transportation officers and the works promoter to agree any longer term traffic management and communication requirements. Where possible works should be restricted to the minimal works required to resolve the emergency situation with any associated remedial works programmed in as per the required notification process and timelines. Where there are other conflicting planned works by other Promoters in the vicinity of the emergency works these should be delayed until such times as the emergency works are completed.
Page 12
Should there be any works currently underway within the vicinity of the emergency works the Roads officers should instruct these works to be backfilled and traffic management removed until such times as the emergency works are concluded. If the nature of the works currently underway prevents removal then discussions will be arranged by Roads officers to discuss how these will be managed to reduce the impact on road users.