Safety improvements to the busy Vogue gyratory system near Brighton’s Lewes Road Sainsbury’s are being planned to start in July and are expected to last up to five months.
The council’s transport team intends to take advantage of lighter traffic during summer holidays to start the improvements when there will be fewer students or other people commuting to work.
The improvement scheme follows a public consultation in April 2012 which revealed 65 per cent of residents consulted supported the idea of making the junction less hazardous.
Proposed works are intended to simplify the Vogue gyratory to make it less confusing. Traffic signals will be replaced to improve traffic flow and enhance the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. There will be a two-metre wide cycle lane going north, running inside a ‘floating’ bus stop which will accommodate bendy buses for the first time. There is already a cycle lane going south.
The junction will be resurfaced and have new, clearer markings and traffic signs.
Priority traffic lights for cyclists will give a three-second head-start to help keep them clear of vehicles. There will be better pedestrian footways and crossing points.
Works are scheduled to take place between July and December 2014. Advance warning signs will be put out from next week. The main disruption for road users will be the temporary closure of access to and from Upper Lewes Road from the gyratory from mid August. A diversion will be in place and some night-time working is planned. Occasionally traffic using the gyratory will have to be reduced to one lane going northbound to enable works to be completed. Few significant closures of the southbound lanes are expected.
The council is writing to hundreds of homes and business in the area detailing the work plans. Companies and shops are being specifically consulted on how the council can maintain access to their premises.
Lead councillor for transport Ian Davey said: “We apologise in advance for any disruption during these important works. We’re going to try really hard to minimise delays – particularly during the rush hours. But improvements to this junction are long overdue and it’s vital that we do what we can to stop collisions, prevent people getting injured, speed bus journeys and make it more pleasant and safe for cyclists and pedestrians.
“Seven Dials has proved that changes to a junction can be popular and help create more pleasant areas.
“Improvements to Lewes Road have already brought a big jump in bus travel and cycling. This project will get even more people using sustainable transport.”