To receive a report on the A4 Crossing from Simon Lymn, Interim Infrastructure Delivery Manager.

Simon Lymn, Interim Infrastructure Delivery Manager, gave a presentation on the A4 Crossing at Holmanleaze. Giving an overview, he explained that the Borough was providing a new Toucan crossing along the A4 road, near Holmanleaze and the Sainsbury’s roundabout, which would allow cyclists and pedestrians to cross the road.  This was part of the development of the old Magnet Leisure Centre site, secured through local enterprise funding and Section 106 Developer Contribution funding.

The purpose of the project was to improve travel routes into Maidenhead Town Centre and the surrounding communities, as well as provide vital new connection into the new development on the northern side of the A4.

Simon Lymn then displayed an illustrated plan of the works around the A4. The project was in three phases:

• Phase 1: Toucan Crossing across the A4 road near Holmanleaze for pedestrians and cyclists,
• Phase 2: At-grade crossing onto Holmanleaze to ensure it was accessible,
• Phase 3: Cycle-pedestrian link to Forlease Road roundabout.

Simon Lymn then used Google Maps to show a street view of the road and help further explain the project. As part of Phase 2, a ramp next to some pedestrian steps would be built from the A4 road and Holmanleaze as there was a height difference between them.

With the timeframes:

• Begin on-site work for Phase 1 in late Summer 2023 and complete the works by November 2023.
• Begin on-site work for Phase 2 in the Winter 2023 or Spring 2024, subject to agreement with the nearby Ivy Leaf Club, and complete the works by Spring 2024.
• Start time for Phase 3 was yet to be confirmed and was subject to funding, although the aim was to begin the works in Spring 2024.

The Chair asked for some elaboration about the funding for the phases. Simon Lymn stated that he was confident that there was plenty of funding at the moment and that the Borough was still planning to implement the three phases. It was the case of ensuring that the funding would still be available in spite of inflation in the construction industry. There would be confirmation once there was certainty of the costs for Phase 3.

Councillor Reynolds requested for the presentation slides to be shared amongst the Forum.

ACTION: Simon Lymn to share his presentation slides on the A4 Crossing with the Maidenhead Town Forum.

Councillor Reynolds asked for the reasons to install the crossing near Holmanleaze rather than York Stream. Simon Lymn replied that it would provide a direct route from Holmanleaze and that the project was linked the Magnet Leisure Centre development. He stated he could investigate why York Stream was not the chosen location for the crossing.

Councillor Reynolds then asked if the crossing would be the same design as another nearby staggered crossing. Simon Lymn confirmed this as it was in line with the highway design standards, the road speed limit and the road being a dual carriageway.

Councillor Reynolds then asked if the crossing lights at the staggered crossings were phased together. If not, he asked whether the lights could be phased together. Simon Lymn replied that he would take this back and confirm with the RBWM Signals Engineer if this was possible, and then forward a formulated response. He added that the new technology was more responsive than the old systems.

ACTION: Simon Lymn to ask about the crossing light system and reasons for the crossing’s location near Holmanleaze, and then forward a response to Councillor Reynolds.

Ian Rose commented that a cycle-pedestrian link at Forlease Road would be welcomed. He then asked whether the impact of vehicle traffic was assessed when crossings were installed. Simon Lymn replied that modelling had been conducted on vehicle and pedestrian flows to highlight any potential issues.

Ian Rose then asked how cyclists were taken into account with the crossing’s design. Simon Lymn replied that crossings in general try to cater for the needs of both pedestrians and cyclists. The crossing was a Toucan crossing which was to ensure safety and provide space for pedestrians, disabled people and cyclists to cross at the same time.

Councillor Martin asked whether the project would include a crossing near the Magnet Leisure Centre which directly accessed Hines Meadow car park. Simon Lymn responded that there would still be access along the footway as well as some drop curbs in place to cross over the service yard, in which residents could walk to, for example, Sainsbury’s.

Councillor Martin elaborated that she was reflecting some resident concerns, particularly from the nearby mosque, whereby, for example, young children may be crossing the service area after dark. Simon Lymn replied that there was no plan in the current project and advised the alternative route would be through Sainsbury which was well lighten.

Councillor Shaw asked for confirmation on whether all 4 curbs near the entrance to Hines Meadow car park and Sainsbury’s were being dropped. Simon Lymn confirmed this.

Councillor Shaw then asked whether there would be a zebra crossing. Simon Lymn stated that this was not the case. Nevertheless, he conveyed that the crossing would be accessible and there would be a natural break in the crossing.

Councillor Reynolds asked whether the modelling was conducted before or after the closure of Broadway car park, elaborating that the modelling would be out-of-date if was done before the closure. Simon Lymn stated that he would check this.

ACTION: Simon Lymn to check whether the traffic flow modelling was done before or after the closure of Broadway car park.