Transport Assessment Salford

A transport assessment is essential for most projects as it provides a comprehensive overview of the local highways infrastructure and the current demand on the road network. This document is a critical tool for assessing how the proposed development will interact with the surrounding transportation environment, including traffic flow, accessibility, and potential impacts on the local community. In the context of this specific project, which involved repurposing former retail units, its strategic location at the junction of the A56 and A586, made this ideally situated site. This proximity to passing trade made this site not only ideal for maximising profit but for increasing the probability of multi-purpose trips.

A review of road safety, junction surveys, and trip analysis by our transport consultants resulted in a comprehensive and reliable report on the site's suitability for this purpose. The trip analysis was processed through the TEMPro system, a widely used tool in transport assessments to evaluate the expected traffic generation of a development based on NTEM data. This analysis helps our consultants predict traffic patterns, peak times, and potential congestion issues, ensuring that all factors are considered in the planning process. This thorough examination is crucial for mitigating any adverse effects on the existing road network and enhancing overall safety for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.

Additionally, we provided a detailed travel plan for this facility, meticulously designed to ensure that the developers took all necessary measures to promote sustainable travel options for employees. This travel plan encompasses various strategies aimed at reducing the carbon footprint associated with commuting and enhancing the overall accessibility of the facility.

Initially, the plan includes an assessment of the current transportation infrastructure surrounding the facility. This assessment identifies existing public transport options, such as bus and train routes, and evaluates their frequency and reliability. By analysing this information, we can suggest improvements or partnerships with local transit authorities to enhance service reliability and coverage, making it easier for employees to utilise these sustainable options.

In addition to the comprehensive transport assessment and meticulously crafted travel plan, our team of experienced consultants also conducted a detailed swept path analysis specifically for the drive-through element of the site. This analysis was crucial for assessing the manoeuverability of vehicles within the designated areas, particularly focusing on ensuring that the access design accommodates larger vehicles, up to the size of transit vans. By evaluating the turning radii and the spatial dynamics involved in the navigation of these vehicles, we were able to provide valuable insights that informed the architectural design process.

The swept path analysis involved a thorough examination of vehicle dimensions and the necessary clearance required for safe navigation. Our consultants utilised advanced modeling software to simulate the movement of transit vans through various configurations of the site, taking into account factors such as lane widths, turning angles, and potential obstacles. This careful analysis allowed the architect to visualise the flow of traffic and make informed decisions regarding the layout of the drive-through, ensuring that it not only met safety standards but also optimized the overall efficiency of vehicle movements. Moreover, the findings from the swept path analysis were integrated into the broader context of the transport assessment, which evaluated existing traffic conditions and anticipated impacts on the surrounding road network. The travel plan complemented these efforts by outlining strategies to promote sustainable travel options for users of the site, thereby enhancing accessibility and reducing reliance on single-occupancy vehicles. Overall, the combination of these assessments and analyses provided a robust framework for the project, ensuring that all aspects of vehicle access and user safety were thoroughly addressed and that the design was both functional and practical.