Access Appraisal Carnforth

What do you do when your rural business becomes so busy and successful that you feel like you’re hosting Truckfest in the middle of the farm? This was the exact predicament faced by these business owners at Ingleton, a picturesque location that had seen a significant uptick in both activity due to their flourishing enterprise. The increasing volume of visitors and deliveries made the original access not only inconvenient but also potentially dangerous. Recognising the need for a safer access, they decided to construct a new private driveway.

However, this presented its own set of challenges, particularly because the proposed location was situated on a tricky road characterised by narrow lanes and particularly because the proposed location was on a road that could double as a rollercoaster—narrow lanes and what local runners affectionately call "undulations". For most mere mortals, these undulations are better described as steep hills that make even the bravest of cyclists question their life choices. Local fell runners might joke that the terrain is flat, but this is far from the truth, as anyone who has navigated the area can attest and these gradients complicate both visibility and access.

To tackle the complexities of this situation, the owners sought the expertise of iRIS transport consultants, who specialize in assessing transportation and access issues. An access appraisal was conducted to determine the feasibility of establishing an additional entry point to the property. The initial step was to implement an Automated Traffic Count (ATC) on the 50 mph road adjacent to the site. This involved deploying those recognizable rubber tubes or mats across the roadway, which collect data on vehicle speed and volume over a specified period. The ATC was set to run for seven days, providing a comprehensive snapshot of traffic patterns.

While this count was underway, the iRIS team also conducted a thorough site visit to evaluate the actual conditions on the ground. At iRIS, our consultants adhere to a strict policy of not solely relying on the conditions depicted in existing plans or maps. We believe that a hands-on site assessment is crucial to ensure that all measurements are accurate and that no critical details have been ‘overlooked’ by the online data.

Upon receiving the data from the ATC survey, our engineers meticulously analysed the results to calculate the visibility splay required for safe access. This analysis took into account various factors, including the recorded vehicular speeds, the steep gradients of the road, and the occasional chicken that might decide to cross at the worst possible moment. With the visibility parameters established, we proceeded to finalize the report and accompanying drawings, which would serve as the foundation for the construction of the new access point.

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of iRIS Sustainable Planning's highways engineers, the new access point has now been successfully constructed. This development has not only enhanced the safety of the owners as they navigate to and from their residence but has also facilitated smoother access for their thriving business operations. The ability to safely manage both residential and commercial traffic has significantly improved their overall experience, allowing them to focus more on their business's continued growth and success while enjoying peace of mind regarding their access routes - without having to dodge a delivery lorry or a confused sheep along the way!