Bridgwater Gateway Travel Plan

2.0 SITE ACCESSIBILITY

2.1.1 A full audit has been undertaken of the accessibility of the development site by all modes of transport to all relevant destinations such as other workplaces, residential areas, transport nodes and facilities.

2.1.2 This section outlines these linkages in full, using information collected from the Transport Assessment. Where deficiencies in the network have been identified that mean with the effect of the proposals there will be limitations arising, remedies are put forward within the Action Plan and Off-Site Improvements Sections of this Travel Plan to address these deficiencies.

2.2 General Situation

2.2.1 The site is on the south western boundary of Bridgwater approximately 2.5km to the south of the town centre as shown at Appendix 1.

2.2.2 The A38 bounds the site to the east and provides access to , Weston- super-Mare and Bridgwater to the north and to the south. The M5 Junction 24 is some 300m to the south east of the A38.

2.2.3 The A38 continues some 50m north east of the site to the Huntworth roundabout. The Huntworth Roundabout provides access to a number of employment and residential developments as well as M5 Junction 24 via a dual carriageway link.

2.2.4 The A38 in the vicinity of the site is single carriageway and subject to a 40mph speed restriction. The A38 provides access to a number of residential dwellings and the Regional Rural Business Centre (RRBC) to the south west of the Huntworth Roundabout. The RRBC includes a livestock market and dairy distribution centre and is served by a signal junction on to the A38 to the south of the site.

2.2.5 To the north east of the Huntworth roundabout is the Huntworth Business Park and motorway services.

2.2.6 To the west of the A38 and north of the site is a partly built out residential urban extension area known as Stockmoor and Wilstock village.

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2.3 Walking

Walking Findings Accessibility A footway is provided along the western side of the A38 between North Petherton to the south and the RRBC junction. Pedestrian crossings are provided at the RRBC junction. Footways then continue north along both sides of the A38 however the footway on the western side stops just south of the site.

To the north the footway provision along the A38 continues along the eastern side of the road. Footways are provided on both sides of the A38 from the Showground roundabout north to Bridgwater.

Footways are provided throughout the Stockmoor village residential development immediately north of the site which link to footway provision on the A38 at the Showground roundabout.

Safety and security Street lighting is provided along the A38.

Some of the sections of footway to the south of the site are narrow and uneven.

The footway along the A38 between Huntworth roundabout and Moor Lane is overgrown. The speed limit on the A38 along this section is 60mph with the route being rural in nature.

Comfort The is heavily trafficked in peak hours.

Along the A38 between Huntworth and Showground roundabouts the speed limit is 60mph.

Information Footways are provided adjacent to the A38 carriageway.

2.4 Cycling

Cycling Findings Accessibility National Cycle Route 3 (NCN 3) runs between Penzance and Bristol and passes to the north of the site. Access to NCN 3 is via Marsh Lane some 800 m to the north of the site. From Marsh Lane NCN 3 runs on the tow path of the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal providing a level, traffic free cycle route to Bridgwater town centre. The route also runs along the River Parrett further to the east accessed via a rural lane and stepped bridge over the river. This bridge is connected to the Network Rail railway bridge.

There are no cycle routes on the A38 Taunton Road immediately to the north or south of the site.

Toucan crossings are provided at the RRBC signal junction with the A38 to the south with advanced cycle stop lines also provided. An off- road cycleway is provided from the A38 junction into the RRBC site.

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Safety and security There are no dedicated on-road or off-road cycle routes on the A38 Taunton Road in the vicinity of the site. The A38 has a 40mph speed limit in this location.

To access the NCN route 3 from the site cycles have to cross the A38.

The NCN routes are rural in nature at the Moor Lane end of the routes and secluded. Towards the town centre factories/houses back on the routes providing improved visibility.

Comfort The roads through Stockmoor village are residential in nature and lightly trafficked providing an alternative route to the A38.

From Marsh Lane NCN 3 runs on the tow path of the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal providing a level, traffic free cycle route to Bridgwater town centre.

Information Signage for the NCN route 4 is provided. Signage is also provided around the RRBC junction.

2.4.1 The Bridgwater cycle map produced by County Council is provided at Appendix 2.

2.5 Bus Use

Bus use Findings Accessibility Bus stops are provided adjacent and opposite the site with laybys and flags provided. Safety and security No shelter is provided. Street lighting is provided along the A38 in the vicinity of the stops. Comfort No shelter or seating is provided. A clear view of the bus approaching is available in both directions. Information A flag indicating the location of the bus stops is provided as is the bus stop code and traveline contact details for service information.

Buses Towards Towards Bridgwater Taunton Service Frequency Destinations First Last First Last Fare and of services arr/dep arr/dep arr/dep arr/dep journey times to nearest main destinations

Monday to Saturday Burnham- FirstDay £4.00 on-Sea to a day 15/15A 30 mins 07.30 19.30 06.15 18.15 Rockwell Green Webberbus Easylink £6.60 a day Burnham-

21/21A 30 mins on-Sea to 07.08 23.00 06.18 23.10 Weekly/monthly Taunton and annual tickets available Sunday Burnham- 21/21A 2 hours on-sea to 11.17 21.17 10.58 20.58 Taunton

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2.6 Trains

Trains Findings Accessibility Bridgwater train station is on St John Street in central Bridgwater 2.5km to the north of the site. Signage to and from the station and town centre is provided although could be improved.

A local ‘stopping’ train service stops at Bridgwater and operates between Bristol and Taunton. Some services also start at Cardiff and others continue to Exeter and Plymouth. Trains to destinations further afield including to London can be caught by changing trains at Bristol or Taunton.

Access to southbound platform from the ticket office is by steps. Level access can be gained by accessing the station from Redgate Street to the east. Safety and security Station staff around during the day. Likely to be quiet in the evening. Comfort Both platforms have seating which is sheltered. The ticket office also provides shelter inside when open. Toilets are accessible during ticket office opening times. Information Timetables provided by the ticket office. The ticket office is open 06.30-14.30 Monday to Saturday. A ticket machine and information point are provided on the platform.

Trains Towards Towards Cardiff Taunton Service Frequency Destinations Fare and of services journey times to nearest main destinations from from from Last dep Last dep First arr to to arr First to arr First Bridgwater Bridgwater Bridgwater Bridgwater

Monday to Saturday Bristol/Westo n-Super- From Taunton Mare- 12 mins return Bridgwater- £7.00 Taunton and From W-S-M Cardiff local stops on 19 mins return Central route £7.80 Hourly 06.03 22.57 05.30 00.01 - Some trains From Bristol 50 Taunton also start at mins approx Cardiff and return £14.40 some continue to Season tickets Exeter and available. Plymouth

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2.7 Driving

Driving Findings Accessibility The A38 bounds the site to the east and provides access to Bristol, Weston-super-Mare and Bridgwater to the north and Taunton to the south.

The A38 provides access to a number of residential dwellings and the Regional Rural Business Centre to the south west of the Huntworth Roundabout.

The A38 continues 50m north east of the site to the Huntworth roundabout. The Huntworth Roundabout provides access to a number of employment and residential developments as well as to M5 Junction 24 (300m to the south east of the A38) via a dual carriageway link. Safety and security The A38 in the vicinity of the site is single carriageway and subject to a 40mph speed restriction. Street lighting is provided. The speed limit increases to 60mph between Huntworth and Stockmoor roundabouts and is then 30mph continuing into Bridgwater. Information Signage to local destinations provided at Huntworth roundabout.

2.8 Neighbouring Land Uses and Local Facilities

2.8.1 There are a number of employment uses nearby including the Huntworth Business Park to the north east and a livestock market and dairy distribution centre forming part of the Regional Rural Business Centre (RRBC) to the south. A café is also provided at RRBC. The RRBC is served by a signal controlled junction on the A38.

2.8.2 The residential areas of Stockmoor and Wilstock villages, partly built out residential urban extensions are immediately to the north of the site. North Petherton is to the south.

2.8.3 The M5 J24 motorway services are 500m to the north east of the centre of the site. These include a Burger King fast food outlet, Costa Coffee café, WH Smith newsagent and petrol filling station.

2.8.4 Neighbourhood facilities are provided in North Petherton and Bridgwater 1.5km to the south and 2km to the north respectively.

2.8.5 A map indicating the local facilities will be provided as part of the marketing of the site. This map will also include walking, cycling and public transport routes and information. Further information is provided in Section 3.

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