Frascati Road and Temple Hill Route Improvements. Outline Design Report to Accompany Public consultation

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1 Frascati Road and Temple Hill Route Improvements Outline Design Report to Accompany Public consultation September 2013

2 Background: Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown is committed to providing high quality pedestrian and cycle facilities throughout the County. In 2012 the County Wide Cycle Network was finalised. This ranked routes based on their potential demand and current level of service for cyclists. Frascati Road between Mount Merrion Avenue and Temple Hill was ranked 19 out of 89 sections assessed for improvement. The improvement of this route for cyclists will provide a key missing link in the Cycle Network. The existing layout of Frascati Road (dual carriageway with median) is very car orientated and acts as a barrier for pedestrians and cyclists. This discourages users from walking and cycling into Blackrock and improving facilities for both modes will encourage more people to choose a sustainable travel mode. The Draft Blackrock LAP is currently being progressed and includes a number of pedestrian and cycle objectives. These have been incorporated into the scheme where possible. Scheme Objectives: The main objective of the proposed scheme can be summarized as follows: The provision of high quality cycle facilities along and across the route The improvement of pedestrian facilities along and across the route Incorporate the objectives of the Blackrock LAP where possible e.g. pedestrian crossing locations, and to prepare a design that will facilitate the LAP objectives this scheme cannot deliver e.g. public realm upgrades / new entrance to Blackrock park Review bus stop locations and propose new bus stop locations Proposed Scheme: Improvements are proposed for the various modes along the route including: Cycling: It is proposed to provide dedicated cycle facilities along the length of the proposed scheme. These will be of a high quality (minimum level of service B) and segregated from vehicular traffic where possible. The facilities will be in accordance with the recommendations in the National Cycle Manual.

3 Crossing points will be upgraded to Toucan crossings to assist cyclists to cross the route It is proposed to install traffic signal by-passes where possible and particularly at T junctions to improve journey times and priority for cyclists. A signal by-pass will allow cyclists to continue along the main route while traffic from the side roads is exiting. Specific issues outbound: Outbound in advance of Rock Hill The approach to Rock Hill junction leaves straight ahead cyclists in a vulnerable position where there is potential for cars turning left into the Main Street to come into conflict with them. It is proposed to install cycle lanes and provide a build out in advance of the junction to restrict the area where cars can enter but maintain access for the bus.

4 Approach to Temple Road The approach to the Temple Road junction is a similar issue to the above and results in cyclists being in a vulnerable position for a long time between the two traffic lanes. It is proposed to install cycle lanes and reduce the length of the turning pocket to reduce conflict and vehicles speeds. Exit from Temple Road onto Frascati Road The current exit from Temple Road onto Frascati results in vehicles exiting at speed with poor visibility of vehicles approaching from behind. It is proposed to make this exit a bus and cycle gate with all other vehicles restricted from exiting.

5 Monkstown Road The current layout of the Monkstown Road exit makes it very difficult for cyclists to continue straight ahead at this junction. It is proposed to reduce the entry angle and kerb radii to reduce the speeds of vehicles exiting and the distance cyclists have to cross. Temple Hill / Newtownpark Avenue The current layout on approach to the Temple Hill / Newtownpark Avenue junction is very difficult for cyclists due to the narrow lanes and tight geometry. It is proposed to merge the outbound straight ahead and right turn lanes. This will allow the footways on both sides to be extended and cyclists will be permitted to share with pedestrians. This will remove them from conflict points and improve their safety.

6 Inbound: Approaching Carysfort Avenue The approach to the Carysfort Avenue junction is a similar issue to the above and results in cyclists being in a vulnerable position between two traffic lanes. It is proposed to install cycle lanes and remove the acceleration lane to reduce conflict. Area adjacent to shopping centers The current layout of this area results in a number of people merging into the traffic lanes and exiting into the shopping center. It is proposed to install

7 build outs to separate turning movements and to provide protection to cyclists travelling straight ahead. Mount Merrion Avenue The exit onto Mount Merrion Avenue results in vehicles exiting a high speed in an area where cyclists are vulnerable. It is proposed to reduce the flare of the exit to slow speeds and reduce conflict. Pedestrian Facilities: It is proposed to improve pedestrian facilities at: Rock Hill by removing the slip lane and reducing crossing distance Georges Avenue by improving the tactile paving and signalising the side road Carysfort Avenue by adding crossing points parallel to Frascati Road Barclay Court by signalising the side road Newtownpark Avenue by shortening crossing distances and widening footpaths It is proposed to install new pedestrian facilities at: Sweetmans Avenue

8 Bus stops: There are a number of bus stop relocations and proposed new locations for bus stops proposed in the Blackrock LAP. These have been included in this scheme. Vehicles: To facilitate the installation of cycle facilities along the route it is proposed to reduce the width of the traffic lanes to 3m in line with the recommendations of the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets. It is also proposed to reduce kerb radii and turning pockets to reduce speeds and conflict. These changes will have no significant impact on capacity along the route and will encourage slower speeds and improve safety. Specific Issues: To facilitate the installation of facilities for pedestrians and cyclists at the Newtownpark Avenue junction it is proposed to merge the outbound straight ahead and right turn lane. The phasing of the signals will have to be altered to facilitate this change, and following traffic modelling analyse it is predicted that this will increase vehicle queuing at this junction. A number of options were investigated at this junction including banning the right turn onto Newtownpark Avenue. The proposed solution provides the best balance between improved facilities for vulnerable road users and maintaining efficient movement of vehicles. Newtownpark Avenue junction

9 As the outbound lanes are being merged at the Temple Hill / Newtownpark Avenue junction it is proposed to amend the current layout outbound between the Newtown Avenue / Temple Hill and the Monkstown Road / Temple Hill junctions from both lanes being permitted to travel straight ahead to only the right lane being permitted to travel straight head. This will remove the need for cars to merge in / after the junction. The majority of cars in the left lane already exit onto Monkstown Road. Meeting with the NRA: As a section of this scheme (Mount Merrion Avenue to Newtown Avenue) is on the National Primary N31, the proposals have been discussed with the National Roads Authority. In general they are in favour of the changes and further consultation will take place during the detailed design phase of the project. Public Consultation: It is proposed to initiate a period of non statutory public consultation on the proposed scheme. Displays will be put up in County Hall, Blackrock Library and on the Councils website for a period of 4 weeks. Following this, a report will be brought back to the Dún Laoghaire Area Committee as early as possible (October / November). Funding: Funding to complete design and options development has been provided by the National Transport Authority. Funding is also available in 2013 to commence construction of the section of the scheme from Newtown Avenue to Temple Hill. Following the period of public consultation it is proposed to separate the scheme into 2 sections for the purpose of construction with the Newtown Avenue Temple Hill section being constructed towards the end of 2013 and the Frascati Road Section in Summer 2014 when traffic volumes will be lighter. Conclusion and Recommendation: Further to the presentation of the scheme to the Area Committee it is recommended that Public Consultation be initiated. Conor Geraghty Cycling Officer John Broderick Senior Executive Engineer