Monday 28 July 2014
Guernsey Press Enquiry:
In regard to our conversation can the department please answer the following questions about the road closures to the airport:
- Why were these extensive road works not carried on in the school holidays?
- How many people and interested groups has it liaised with before deciding to shut the route in from Town, Forrest Road and Route des Delisles, Castel, at the same time?
- Does it anticipate these closures will lead to congestion in parts of the island?
- Does it think the diversions put in place will be able to handle the volume of traffic?
- Why were these roads not closed at separate times?
- Does it believe businesses in the area will be affected?
- Why does the department believe it is acceptable to make access to the airport possible only from the west?
This is planned in for tomorrow's paper, so if you could please respond by 4pm today, I would be grateful.
Environment Department Response:
Why were these extensive road works not carried on in the school holidays?
The Forest Road roadworks for JT are not being carried out in the school summer holidays as it would have disrupted the main route between the Airport and St Peter Port during the height of the summer when visitor numbers are at their peak.
How many people and interested groups has it liaised with before deciding to shut the route in from Town, Forrest Road and Route des Delisles, Castel, at the same time?
The Environment Department has not specifically consulted about these two closures taking place at the same time, because it does not consider that the closures (that are a significant distance apart and do not have overlapping diversions), will have an impact on each other. All applications are considered in line with the Department's comprehensive set of road works policies. These can be found at http://www.gov.gg/RoadworksPolicy.
However, the Department consults with the Parish on all planned closures before granting final approval and in the case of Forest Road (which is a major project) it has consulted with the emergency services, the bus company, Taxi Federation, utilities and major contractors.
Does it anticipate these closures will lead to congestion in parts of the island?
The closure of both of these roads simultaneously will not increase the effect on traffic delays. However, in particular, the closure of Forest Road, which is a very busy major road, is likely to add additional time to the journey of motorists that normally use that road and therefore they should allow plenty of extra time.
Does it think the diversions put in place will be able to handle the volume of traffic?
The Environment Department has chosen the safest and most suitable diversion routes that are available, but there are likely to be delays, particularly at peak commuter times.
Why were these roads not closed at separate times?
See above.
Does it believe businesses in the area will be affected?
Where businesses rely heavily on passing trade, there is normally some impact, but there will be access to businesses from one end of the works or the other at all times. Signs will be in place to direct motorists. In regard of the Forest Road works, the Environment Department has included a condition stating that the contractor must carry out twelve hour days, Monday to Saturday, to minimise disruption on this key arterial route.
Why does the department believe it is acceptable to make access to the airport possible only from the west?
It was considered better for the works in Le Bourg and Forest Road to be carried out simultaneously to reduce the overall period of disruption by several weeks. Motorists would have only been able to access the Airport from the east any way for the works in Le Bourg, as the works will completely block the road. It is hoped that minimising the duration will benefit businesses and it will not delay other projects that are planned by the Public Services Department for the west side of the Airport (Route du Longfrie and Route du Plaisance).
Contact Information:
Colin Le Page, Principal Traffic Services Officer
Environment Department
Tel: 243400
