Highways Access Chorley

The access to this nursery had been in regular use for an extended period, serving as a vital entry point for customers and delivery vehicles alike. However, the owners recognised the necessity to streamline their operations further by consolidating their landscaping services and administrative functions at the same location. This strategic decision was aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and improving customer experience. Despite the access being utilised for some time, it was apparent that the visibility at the entry point was suboptimal, leading to potential safety hazards. Consequently, the local highways authority expressed concerns regarding the prospect of increasing vehicular traffic at this site, emphasizing the need for a thorough evaluation of the access point to ensure road safety was not compromised.

In response to these concerns, we initiated a pre-application negotiation process, engaging closely with the local highways authority to collaboratively develop a feasible plan that would facilitate the ongoing use of the site while simultaneously enhancing road safety measures. To achieve this dual objective, our first step involved conducting an Automatic Traffic Count (ATC) to gather data on traffic patterns and behaviors at the site. This assessment was crucial in determining the current visibility conditions and identifying potential improvements. Following this, we created detailed visibility splay drawings, which visually represented the necessary sightlines required for safe vehicle maneuvering at the access point.

With the visibility analysis in hand, we proceeded to design a new access location that would not only address the visibility issues but also accommodate the anticipated increase in traffic volume. This design process involved meticulous planning and consideration of various factors, including vehicle types, turning radii, and pedestrian safety. To support our proposal, we developed swept path drawings that illustrated how vehicles would navigate the new access point, ensuring that all movements could be executed safely without obstructing the flow of traffic. Additionally, we designed a comprehensive car park layout that optimised space utilisation while maintaining clear pathways for both vehicles and pedestrians. This layout was essential for demonstrating to the clients and the local authorities that their operational plans could be executed safely and efficiently, ultimately leading to a solution that satisfied all stakeholders involved.