Statement of Reasons

Old Sodbury

A46/B4040 Cross Hands Junction - Signing Improvements

Background

The A46 is a heavily trafficked road carrying vehicles between the M4 and the southern Cotswold towns of Stroud and Cirencester The route is also signed via the B4040 for tourist traffic visiting the popular tourist locations of Badminton (Horse events) and Castle Combe (race circuit). Many vehicles travelling to these locations are not aware of the route and require clearly indicated directions, particularly at major road junctions.

The Junction of the A46 with the B4040 is complex and the existing signage is not as clear as it could be.

Concern has been raised regarding the number of vehicles wanting to travel eastbound onto the B4040 that inadvertently turn right onto the westbound arm of the B4040 effectively travelling the wrong way along a one way street. Vehicles also turn right from the Cross Hands Hotel to travel westbound towards the A46 traffic signals. This section of the B4040 is one way east bound.

These driver errors are of concern and may lead to a serious head on collision.The mistakes may be the result of the close proximity of the two junctions confusing drivers. Clear direction signing is therefore important.

Purpose of the scheme

  • The purpose of the scheme is to reduce the incidences of vehicles wanting to travel on the B4040 eastbound inadvertently turning right from the A46 onto the B4040 westbound, against the flow of one-way traffic.
  • It will also address vehicles turning right from the Cross Hands Hotel to travel westbound towards the A46 traffic signals against the flow of one way traffic.

Proposed Scheme

  • Revise the existing advance direction signson the A46 at the junction with the B4040 on the northbound approach to the traffic signals.
  • Provide a no right turn sign on the A46 ahead of the exit from the B4040 junction, and refresh existing white thermoplastic No Entry carriageway markings at the give way.
  • Move the existing tourist sign on the A46 north of the B4040 junction to deter drivers who are not familiar with the junction from turning at the wrong location.
  • Revise the lane arrows on the A46 northbound to indicate the right turn ahead at the traffic signals
  • Erect new direction and tourist signs on the A46 at the traffic signal junction to direct vehicles right onto the eastbound arm of the B4040.
  • Upgrade the existing No Entry signing on the B4040 eastbound to the west of the Cross Hands Hotel car park exit, and re fresh the existing No Entry, hatching and carriageway markings.
  • Install a new direction sign on the B4040 eastbound and upgrade the existing left turn sign at the exit from the hotel car park.
  • Erect a new direction sign east of the hotel car park to indicate the direction to the A46.

Drawing Reference

The proposals are shown on drawing number T428 / 279/ 001A.

Timescale

The proposedscheme is to be implemented in the 2014/15 financial year.