Experimental closure order on Smith Street given go ahead due to pedestrian safety concerns

Smith Street pedestrian crossing

Councillors on the Rochdale Township Committee have agreed to an experimental closure order on Smith Street.

The Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) is planned to go ahead for six months following concerns raised last year by the Casualty and Network Management Team relating to pedestrian safety when crossing to access and egress from the new bus station on Smith Street.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/84799/lack-of-pedestrian-crossing-makes-new-bus-station-dangerous-say-travellers

A report presented to councillors on Wednesday (16 September) it stated: ‘Pedestrian desire lines between the town centre and Number One Riverside result in pedestrians conflicting with buses using the bus station. Since the demolition of the Municipal Offices and the creation of the new car park and market area, pedestrian desire lines have shifted and increased numbers are crossing Smith Street from Number One Riverside towards the market.’

Despite a zebra crossing being installed in July 2014 following numerous concerns over pedestrian safety, pedestrians are still required to cross in conflict with buses to reach the crossing.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/88355/pedestrian-crossing-completed-on-smith-street

The TRO would remove buses accessing the bus station from Smith Street and raise the carriageway level to that of the surrounding footway to allow access during emergencies or planned works that affect access from Water Street. This would be a removable bollard to be positioned at the Milton Street end of Smith Street to prevent unauthorised access.

Additional waiting restrictions will be required on Water Street to prevent indiscriminate parking and ensure clear access to the bus station is maintained.

The report added: 'If the Smith Street bus lane was closed to vehicles, this would remove the conflict between buses and pedestrians on Smith Street between Milton Street and the bus station. Buses will still be able to use the westerly side of Smith Street from the bus station exit to its junction with Constantine Road. Although this remains a conflict, the scheme will create other opportunities to cross safely.

'All inbound buses could be re-routed to enter and circulate to the bus station via Water Street, from Molesworth Street and Drake Street. To facilitate safe and unobstructed access via Water Street, waiting restrictions will be required along Water Street to prohibit parking.'

It is currently not yet known when the plans will go ahead but there will be a six month objection period for affected parties to raise their concerns.

The cost to implement the scheme is approximately £46,000 and is available through funding from Cross Town Connectivity.