Access Appraisal Colne

The access to certain scheme proposals can indeed present significant challenges, particularly when there is a steep slope involved. This situation was clearly evident at our site in Colne, where the access was required to be taken from a particularly steep road. The steepness of the road not only complicates the design of the access road itself, which must seamlessly meet the main road at an appropriate level, but it also has implications for visibility. Specifically, the visibility splay required for safe vehicular movement is affected; stopping sight distance tends to be increased when approaching on a downhill slope, while it is decreased when the approach is on an uphill slope. These variations necessitate careful consideration and planning to ensure that all safety standards are met and that the access is practical for all users.

To thoroughly assess whether the visibility at this location was acceptable, our consultants undertook an Automatic Traffic Count (ATC). This essential study provided us with critical data regarding the vehicular speed at that specific point on the road. Armed with this information, we proceeded to calculate the relevant stopping sight distance, which is the minimum distance required for a driver to perceive an obstacle and come to a complete stop safely. Following this, we plotted the visibility splay, which is the area that must remain clear of obstructions to ensure that drivers have an unobstructed view of oncoming traffic and any potential hazards.

Once we had gathered and analyzed these details, we were in a much stronger position to inform our clients of the best means of progress. This included recommending potential design modifications to the access road to enhance safety and usability, as well as suggesting any necessary signage or road markings that could further improve visibility for drivers approaching from both directions. Our comprehensive approach ensured that all factors were considered, ultimately allowing us to provide our clients with the most effective and safe solutions for their access needs.