CIVIC NEWS
BREAKING THE
BOTTLENECK
New Proposal for
Cuckoo Corner and
Priory Crescent

PLANS to resolve the traffic problems at Priory Crescent without cutting into Priory Park are being unveiled inside this edition of Civic News.
The present single carriageway has long been acknowledged as a significant bottleneck in Southend, resulting in congestion and delays, particularly for business traffic. Local economic development studies have all identified transportation accessibility as a major barrier to new investment in Southend.
The debate over Priory Crescent has already created a great deal of public interest.
Councillor Charles Latham, Leader of Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, said: "Before any final decision is taken, we want people to give their views but be assured that as a Council we are looking for an option that would help keep the town moving but without losing any land from the park."
Councillor Roger Weaver, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Planning, Transportation and Engineering, explainedL "Various options have been considered including an underpass or flyover at Cuckoo Corner and a one way system around the park. All of these were considered inappropriate because of the significant environmental impact and detrimental affect on the park. Also, it was felt these options would have been difficult to satisfy the Government criteria for funding, as the cost of any improvement has to be approved by Central Government as part of the allocation to the Local Transport Plan."
Priory Crescent and Cuckoo Corner
 
Some of your questions answered...
 
Why do we need to improve Cuckoo Corner and Priory Crescent?
This section of the strategic highway network is already inadequate to cope with existing traffic levels at peak times. Traffic growth will force road users to seek alternative routes on unsuitable roads. Already difficult access to Southend will worsen affecting local businesses and the opportunity for economic regeneration in Southend.

How many vehicles use Priory Crescent?
21,400 vehicles use Priory Crescent over a 12 hour period. This is more than the 19,800 vehicles which use the Victoria Avenue dual carriageway.

Do many lorries use this route?
The A127/A1159 is the main lorry route into the Borough. 21% of the traffic using Priory Crescent is goods vehicles in comparison to 12% using Victoria Avenue.

Would the preferred option take land from Priory Park or the residential properties on the north side of Priory Crescent?
No. The preferred scheme involves land take from the commercial premises on the north side of Priory Crescent. The southern footway would be within the park.

How will land fronting the commercial premises be aquired for the improvement?
Negotiations have commenced with commercial interests to reach an agreed solution.

Would the improvements lead to improved journey times? There would be some improvements to journey times and most importantly increased journey reliability. This is especially important for business and freight users.

How many trees would be

affected by the preferred scheme? A number of street trees would be affected but these will be replaced with trees on a 2-1 basis.

Why do we need traffic lights at Cuckoo Corner? There are already numerous traffic lights on the A127.
This junction will always need to accommodate hight right-turning flows from Prince Avenue into Victoria Avenue. This can best be managed and controlled using traffic signals. These can be linked to other controlled junctions using the latest computer technology to maximise the road capacity over an area-wide basis.

Will the improvements include better and safer pedestrian crossing facilities?
Yes. The proposed traffic signal controls at Cuckoo Corner would provide for improved pedestrian crossing

facilities providing for improved pedestrian access to Priory Park for residents living to the north.

Would the improvements simply mean that congestion builds up more quickly at other junctions at the Bell and Sutton Road roundabout?
Linked traffic signal junctions will enable traffic movements over a wider area to be better controlled. A 'traffic model' is being developed to accurately predict changes to traffic flows and suggest other modifications.

Would removing the pelican crossing on Priory Crescent resolve the congestion problems?
No. This crossing currently operates in isolation from the other junctions and responds immediately to a pedestrian request. Its impact is more perceived than actual. This crossing would be replaced by one linking to other traffic controlled junctions to ensure

the smooth flow of traffic whilst retaining pedestrian safety.

How will four lanes of traffic be able to cross the railway line? Priory Bridge is not wide enough.
A new bridge would be constructed alongside Priory Bridge which would be funded from the Government allocation.

Could we not reduce traffic congestion by other means such as encouraging people to use public transport instead of the car?
The Local Transport Plan already seeks to widen travel choice and encourage alternative means of travel to the car. For example, significant sums of money allocated by the Government are being spent on improving public transport and encouraging businesses to adopt Green Travel Plans.

Our preferred option . . .
Cuckoo Corner
  • Traffic signal controlled junction
  • Linked to other controlled junctions on A127
  • Improved pedestrian crossing facilities
Priory Crescent
  • Upgraded to dual carriageway standard
  • No land take from Priory Park
  • No land take from residential premises
  • Land take from commercial premises
  • Southern footway within Park
Railway Bridge
  • Land take from amenity area adjacent to railway line
  • Construction of new railway bridge to cater for eastbound traffic movements
Preferred Option
Improvements to Priory Park
Aerial Photo In developing the scheme it will be important to protect the amenity of Priory Park. Environmental improvements and possible measures include:
Substantial tree planting and landscaping. All trees lost to the scheme to be replaced on a 2:1 basis
Possibility of increased public open space by relocating Priory Park Works Depot
Possibility of increased public open space by incorporating highway land into Priory Park at its eastern side
Potential to introduce new pedestrian "Gateways" to the Park
Potential to improve pedestrian and cycleway facilities

Potential to improve environment in Priory Crescent (south)

Based upon the Ordnance Survey mapping with the permission of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office Crown coyright. License number LA 079383.

The Council would welcome comments from both local residents and busniesses.
These should be sent in writing by 4th January to: The Director of Technical and Environmental Services,
Southend on Sea Borough Council, Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend on Sea SS2 6ER
Or alternatively e-mail: t&eservices@southend.gov.uk

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