A6 RUSHDEN – HIGHAM FERRERS BYPASS ... - Highways Agency

Executive SummaryScheme Title A6 Rushden – Higham Ferrers BypassOpening Date August 2003POPE Stage Five Years AfterScheme DescriptionThe scheme consists of a 5.4km bypass around the towns of Rushden and Higham Ferrers inNorthamptonshire. The new road is single carriageway for 3km and dual carriageway for 2.4kmand runs south from the existing A6/A45 roundabout, and rejoins the existing A6 at a newroundabout south of Rushden. A new link road, the A5001 John Clark Way, was built by the localauthority to connect the bypass with Rushden Town Centre, in order to facilitate newdevelopment.Objectives (Appraisal Summary Table)Objective Achieved?Reduce environmental problems in Rushden and HighamFerrersImprove road safetyRelieve congestionImprove journey time reliabilityYesYes, but less than predictedYesYesKey FindingsThe objectives of the A6 Rushden and Higham Ferrers Bypass have been met – to reducecongestion, and environmental problems, whilst improving safety and journey time reliability.However, the safety benefits are less than predicted.The traffic flows in the southern part of the modelled area were significantly under predicted.No documentation is available to help verify the original appraisal assumptions and therefore itis not clear whether forecasts had made reference to development in this area. It appears thata number of developments have taken place which were not considered in the schemeappraisal.Although the outturn journey time savings per vehicle are a little lower than predicted, there aremore vehicles on the network than predicted, benefiting from the savings and giving higherthan expected benefits.These extra benefits were offset by greater than anticipated scheme costs. The HA has sincechanged its cost estimating method to improve accuracy.Accident savings have been observed. Public consultation indicate a perception that thescheme has improved safety overall, but comments reveal concerns with the A45/A6 ChownsMill roundabout and speeding on the bypass.Although justified on traffic criteria, some members of the public have questioned the reasonfor the change in road standard from dual to single carriageway on the bypass.The bypass scheme and John Clark Way together has facilitated significant localdevelopments in the area.Lower traffic through the towns of Rushden and Higham Ferrers has reduced severance in thearea and facilitates the movement of pedestrians and cyclists.The environmental mitigation measures appear to have been effective in mitigating the impactsof the scheme.The scheme has contributed to the achievement of objectives set out in local plans andpolicies.Most residents believe that the area is now a better place to live as a result of the bypass.