Rochdale Borough Transport Strategy June 2010
www.rochdale.gov.uk
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY
JUNE 2010
Peter Rowlinson Service Director Planning & Regulation Services
Enquiries: please contact :- Strategic Planning Service Email: [email protected] Tel: (01706) – 924361
John Cheetham Highways & Transportation Director - Impact Partnership
1 Introduction 1 contents
Role and Purpose of the Transport Strategy 1
The Challenge 2
2 Strategic Context 5
Community Strategy 5
Rochdale Borough Renaissance Masterplan 5
Local Transport Plan 5
LTP3 - The Next Steps for Transport 6
Greater Manchester Transport Fund 7
Unitary Development Plan (UDP) and Local Development Framework (LDF) 8
Economic Development Strategy 10
Climate Change and Air Quality 10
Health and Well Being 11
Regional Funding Allocations (RFA2) 11
Wider Governance Changes 12
Programme Deliverability 13
3 Current Situation - Movement Patterns in Rochdale Borough 15
Township Travel Patterns 17
Sustainable Transport Network 18
4 Key Issues 21
Connecting to Jobs, Education and Training Opportunities 21
Taking Advantage of our Strategic Location - Access to the Regional Centre 21
Improving Access to Town and Local Centres and Transport Hubs 21
Minimising Travel 22
Encouraging Walking and Cycling 22
Prioritising Public Transport Improvements 23
Getting More from Heavy Rail Passenger Services 24
Maximising the Benefits of Metrolink 25
Improving Bus Service Reliability and Frequency on Key Routes 25
Congestion and Sustainable Improvements to the Highway Network 26
Tackling Freight Issues 27
Managing Travel Demand 28
Improving Local Transport Safety 29
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 Maintaining the Transport Network 30
5 Vision and Objectives 31
Vision 31
contents Objectives 31
6 Linking Transport Proposals to the Strategy 33
Impact of the Action Plan on Travel in the Borough 39
7 Resourcing the Strategy 41
Local Transport Plan (LTP) 41
Regional Funding Allocations 41
Greater Manchester Transport Fund 41
Regeneration Funding 41
Private Funding 42
8 Implementing the Strategy 43
Stakeholders 44
9 Key Action Plan Proposals 45
Longer Term Aspirations 50
Appendices
1 Current Transport Investment Plans 53
Network Efficiency 53
Road Safety 53
Sustainable Travel 54
2 Contacts 55
Figures
Figure 1 Rochdale Borough Existing Transport Network 3 Figure 2 Rochdale Borough Council Strategic Partnership (LSP) Structure 43 Figure 3 Rochdale Borough Proposed Transport Network 51
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 1 One 1 Introduction
Role and Purpose of the Transport Strategy introduction
This transport strategy is a framework to guide the development of transport improvements across the Borough for the period up to 2026. It identifies priority schemes and projects that are deliverable, but their timing is dependent on the availability of resources. It is therefore a fluid document which will be used to lobby for transport improvements and support bids for funding and can be adjusted in line with resource availability. It aims to deliver a transport vision that:
“By 2026, Rochdale Borough will have a safe, affordable, sustainable, reliable, accessible and integrated transport network that offers travel choice, serves its communities, tackles air quality and climate change, enhances social inclusion, public health and supports the regeneration of the local area”
The strategy is critical in enabling the Council and its partners to achieve its, economic, social, regeneration and environmental objectives. It will primarily support, guide and be developed further through future Local Transport Plans (LTP) and the Local Development Framework (LDF). It will also support the delivery of other strategies and programmes, including the Community Strategy ‘Pride of Place 2‘, the Borough Masterplan, the Borough’s Economic Development, Infrastructure and Investment and Health Strategies. It also considers the impacts of “Building Schools for the Future” and the re-organisation of hospital services "Healthy Futures" both of which will heavily influence future travel patterns, as well as transport and network management policies in the North West Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS).
This Transport Strategy: a) Links with different tiers of transport policy, and in particular, local, sub-regional and regional transport priorities including the Greater Manchester Strategy; b) Has both short term delivery priorities including those contributing to relevant local and national indicators and targets, as well as the long term strategic direction in developing the borough’s transport network; c) Sets out the Transport priorities for the borough to support the wider holistic aims and aspirations set out in the Community Strategy, Borough Masterplan and Local Development Framework (LDF); d) Identifies transport improvement proposals, informing future LTP programmes and the LDF; e) Provides a framework for developing and lobbying for proposals; and f) Presents a clear statement to the public and the Council’s transport partners of it's priorities and the timescale for delivering improvements to meet borough's future development needs.
The Strategy has four underlying principles:
1. Supporting the Borough’s environment, sustainability and public health agenda. Transport emissions are a key contributor to climate change, so a priority for action to influence local travel choice, reduce demand on natural resource use, impact on air quality and carbon emissions / climate change. It will also contribute to improving people's health by offering more opportunities to change their travel behaviour and switch to more active and environmentally sustainable forms of transport; 2. Supporting the Borough’s strategic land-use objectives. The preparation of the LDF offers an opportunity to better integrate land-use and transport, focusing future employment, housing and other development where good access and connectivity can be provided; 3. Address public concerns, particularly residents and businesses experiencing increasing delay, congestion and reduced journey reliability in moving around the Borough. This undermines business efficiency, deters investment in the local economy and reduces quality of life for residents; and 4. Supporting regeneration. Deprived areas, communities and development opportunities are dependent upon high quality, reliable and affordable means of travel to jobs, health, education and other community facilities. Limited cross town and borough movements are a particular concern. Providing good
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 2
accessibility and transport links are integral elements of the Council’s Sustainable Communities Initiative and this strategy sets out the framework for transport initiatives that contribute to these.
The strategy primarily aims to manage demand, the movement of goods and people and make better use and maximise operation of the existing transport network. It also encourages the use of contemporary and emerging information technology to transport information, reducing the need for physical travel particularly in areas of the network experience congestion. Opportunities to use transport information more efficiently through improved electronic communication will be exploited e.g. broadband, video-conferencing etc. introduction
This strategy also provides a framework for more detailed proposals through the development of a series of Township transport plans, linking and forming part of Township plans. It aims to be an accessible document, One so does not contain detailed evidence to justify all the schemes in the action plan. This will be developed in future study reports and detailed technical documents supporting GMLTP3 and other bid submissions.
The Challenge
Whilst the borough has good transport links to the regional centre, is on the axis of two motorways - the M62/M60 and M66, has a good frequent rail link between the regional centre and West Yorkshire, the network does not meet the travel demands of local communities.
The challenge is to provide an affordable, sustainable and effective transport network which serves local community needs by further enhancing strategic and cross-borough links to provide coherence, travel mode
choice, connectivity and support regeneration of the local economy while tackling pollution and CO2 emissions from traffic. The implementation of the Council’s transport priorities will depend on close working relationships with partner agencies, transport providers and developers, taking opportunities arising from regeneration initiatives and both private and public investment.
Section 2 of this document "Strategic Context", sets out the policy context at national, regional and local level. Section 3 outlines ‘The current situation in Rochdale Borough‘ and its traffic patterns, while Section 4 ‘Key Issues’ identifies those issues and other matters which the Strategy seeks to address. The ‘Vision’ articulates how the Strategy will transform the Borough’s transport system and the ‘Objectives’ for achieving it. Section 6 sets out the ‘Proposals’ listing the proposed schemes and projects linking them to the overall priorities for the Borough. The later section of the document outline the Resourcing and Funding options and presents an Action Plan to meet the Borough's accessibility and movement, needs and aspirations, preliminary cost estimates where available and potential delivery / funding partners.
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 Figure 1 Rochdale Borough Existing Transport Network ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRA TEGY , 3 JUNE
2010 introduction One 4
Kingsway Business Park Access Road (Photo courtesy of Kingsway Partnership) introduction One
Traffic leaving Sudden Junction
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 5 T
2 Strategic Context wo
This section sets out the existing policy context which this transport strategy supports and will be implemented, strategic prioritising the borough and sub-regional policies through to regional and national policies. This is to emphasise the importance that this transport strategy has in supporting and delivering wider local and sub-regional objectives and aspirations.
Community Strategy context The Sustainable Community Strategy ‘Pride of Place’ (2007-2010) adopted by the Council and the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) views transport improvements as being vital in addressing Local Community priorities. It aspires that the Borough be “well connected to the whole of Great Britain by a high quality transport system – especially public transport – and via electronic and business links”. It has five shared priorities:
Increasing jobs and prosperity; Making sure every child matters; Improving Community safety; Creating a cleaner, greener environment; and Improving health and well-being.
Transport proposals can contribute to all of these“Pride of Place” priorities,through addressing accessibility issues, providing wider travel choice, maintaining operation of a transport network asset that is in good condition, traffic management and local safety initiatives. They also promote sustainable forms of travel associated with improving health and “quality of life” benefits. In co-ordinating transport and land use policies, the need and demand for travel and carbon emissions can be reduced.
Rochdale Borough Renaissance Masterplan
The Borough's Renaissance Masterplan supports the Community Strategy and highlights the importance of access and transport within its vision. It seeks radical improvement to the public transport network to widen travel choice and enhance access to town centres and links to the whole borough and wider City Region. Key to this is promoting greater density of development around public transport hubs and interchanges such as railway and bus stations and future Metrolink stops. The Master plan also requires future town centre developments to provide a range of land uses particularly employment, residential and leisure, to ensure that a focused broad range of activity in these areas as they are the most accessible.
Local Transport Plan
The second Greater Manchester Local Transport Plan (GMLTP2) 2006-2011 sets out the transport policies and priorities of the sub-region and how the constituent authorities in Greater Manchester will achieve central government and local transport targets, measures and initiatives that will be delivered. Proposals will contribute to delivering a series of shared priorities agreed nationally between Central Government and Local Authority representative organisations.
The general tenure of LTP policy is to:
Increase trips by sustainable modes, especially public transport to urban centres; Improve facilities to encourage more shorter journeys on foot or by cycle; Implement Land Use Planning and Regeneration Strategies to minimise trips generated by out of centre locations; and Discourage peak time single occupancy car journeys in favour of alternative forms of travel, so contributing to improving air quality and reducing the rate of climate change.
GMLTP2 was produced by the ten constituent Local Authorities and the now Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA). A statutory document, it provides strategic direction for local authority transport policies, and aligns with the government’s latest Transport White Paper and Local Transport Plan guidance.
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 6
It also sets out the sub-region’s five year local transport investment programme, and contributes to delivery of the long term vision and strategy for Greater Manchester. It details how the sub-region will contribute to specified outcomes including four shared priorities (tackling congestion, accessibility, road safety and tackling pollution) and prioritise expenditure to achieve best value and maximum impact by the end of the LTP2 period
context (2011).
A prime objective of the LTP2 is to accommodate trips generated by projected increases in jobs in the most sustainable way, while enhancing social inclusion, protecting the environment and improving quality of life. This approach seeks to maintain Greater Manchester’s economic growth, while not significantly increasing traffic congestion or impeding that growth through constraints on the transport network. This requires reductions in the propensity to travel and increasing the proportion of trips made on foot by cycle or public transport. strategic Improvements in local safety and travel security for all transport users will be maintained and air quality will
wo meet or improve beyond Government prescribed levels. Transport measures should also continue to focus
T on addressing poor access by sustainable modes to jobs, health and leisure facilities, fresh food shops and education / training, as well as maintaining the highway network and structures in good condition to withstand the impact of past cumulative traffic growth and the reducing levels expected over the GMLTP2 period.
Improving public transport, although not a shared priority is considered important to the Greater Manchester sub-region in meeting its local transport targets though infrastructure improvements such as the Manchester - Oldham - Rochdale Metrolink Line and a new Rochdale Town Centre Bus Interchange. These that contribute to delivering the shared priorities.
Rochdale MBC is committed to contributing to the successful delivery of transport outcomes and GMLTP2 targets with a series of interventions. Through partnership working with public and private bodies:
Road Traffic Casualties and collisions in Rochdale Borough are currently below set targets demonstrating better performance than anticipated; Bus priority measures, better service frequency, safe cycle networks and facilities, pedestrian crossing provision and travel plans have all contributed to encouraging more travel by public transport, cycling and walking; and Deliver a long term programme of developments to support the economy, employment and quality of life for communities in the borough based on encouraging greater travel opportunities by sustainable forms of travel.
GMLTP2 is approaching the final year of the 2006/07 to 2010/11 programme. LTP3 draft guidance will influence the future transport priorities beyond March 2011.
LTP3 - The Next Steps for Transport
LTP3 guidance incorporates recommendations from the:
Eddington Report (Dec 2006) on the role of transport in sustaining UK economic productivity and competitiveness and "a crucial enabler of sustained productivity,
Stern Review (Oct 2006) examining the economics of climate change and the requirement for its environmental impacts and costs to be fully reflected in decision making, and
Towards a Sustainable Transport System (TaSTS - Oct 2007), the governments response to Eddington and how it will ensure transport plays a role in delivering carbon reduction recommended by Stern. It sets out a shift in DfT policy and investment plans, introducing longer transport strategies building on Eddington's model.
LTP3 guidance therefore provides a significant shift in the Department of Transport’s (DfTs) strategic vision with long-term regional and local transport policy implications. LTP3 has to be in place by April 2011 at the latest and transport authorities are free to choose the time horizon covered by the plans. IGMLTP3 will contain an overall strategy to 2025 with a series of 3 year implementation plans reporting short term delivery and proposals, aligned to local government financial settlements and Local Area Agreements (LAA).
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 7 T
The 4 shared priorities will be replaced by 5 transport goals. These are: wo
Tackling climate change; Supporting economic growth; strategic Promoting equality of opportunity; Contributing to better safety, security and health, and Improving quality of life.
The implementation plan will detail the expected impact on the 10 transport specific Local Area Agreement indicators and delivering a low carbon future. Authorities will be expected to facilitate behaviour change and context reduce the need to travel though a range of organisational, individual travel plan initiatives and "Smarter Travel Choice" measures.
It is anticipated that the method used to prioritise major transport schemes nationally will also change from 2014/15 and the schemes costing over £5 million put forward in this strategy will be subject to that process if they are to attract major LTP scheme funding.
Cycling along Rochdale canal
Greater Manchester Transport Fund
The Greater Manchester Transport Fund was set up in May 2009 as a replacement for the Transport Innovation Fund (TIF). It includes a re-prioritised programme of schemes based on delivering maximum economic benefit to Greater Manchester, consistent with positive social and environmental package outcomes. It provides local contributions from:
A 40% top slice of GMLTP Integrated Transport funding until 2018; plus Funding generated by annual increases in the GMITA levy on local authorities for each of 6 years from 2010-2011.
The proposals in the Borough included in the Greater Manchester Transport Fund are:
Cross City Bus Package (including bus priority measures and improved services to Middleton Bus Station), Rochdale Metrolink Phase 3B (Railway Station to Town Centre); and Contributions to Station Improvements including Park and Ride;
The fund assumes Metrolink Phase 3A and Rochdale PT Interchange to be already committed schemes.
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 8
The Metrolink Phase 3A contract includes works that will enable a stop on Kingsway Business Park to be installed when funding has been secured (including regeneration funding and developer contributions). GMPTE has commissioned ELWRAS (East Lancashire and West Rochdale Assessment Study) due to be completed late in 2010 examining the options for improving public transport links between Rawtenstall and
context Manchester.
Rochdale MBC with neighbouring local authorities favour a heavy rail option via Heywood using East Lancashire Railway. This forms the flagship proposal in the Rochdale West Package, which also includes improved Park and Ride at MIlls Hill Railway Station, traffic management measures in MIddleton and Heywood and a bus interchange facility in Heywood). ELWRAS will also develop the business case for various options with a view to a preferred option or package of measures going forward into the Greater Manchester Transport strategic Fund.
wo Proposed trams that will run to Rochdale (Photo courtesy of
T GMPTE)
Unitary Development Plan (UDP) and Local Development Framework (LDF)
The transport policies in the Rochdale Unitary Development Plan (adopted June 2006) are in the process of being reviewed through the Local Development Framework Core Strategy. There are some UDP policy approaches that will remain relevant over the next 10-15 years, but the Core Strategy will include transport policies that help to support the Council’s spatial strategy for land use to 2026. It also identifies proposals to deliver new development and growth. This transport strategy will help to co-ordinate, prioritise and promote those schemes.
The LDF Core Strategy concentrates new development allocations in the south of the borough. The regeneration areas identified are East Central Rochdale, North and West of Rochdale Town Centre, Milkstone / Deeplish and Newbold, Langley (housing led), Kirkholt (housing led) and East Middleton. There are 4 economic growth corridors: Rochdale Town Centre to Kingsway including Oldham Road; Sudden / Castleton; South Heywood and East Middleton (Town Centre to Mills Hill Station). Many of the proposals put forward in this strategy are to enhance access and connectivity of these areas.
The Core Strategy states the Council's Accessibility Hierarchy. This will govern the design principles of all works on the transport network and the layout of development proposals, continuing the approach of UDP Policy A/2 (P152). Access and the travel needs of users are prioritised as follows:
People with impaired mobility and pedestrians; Cyclists; Public Transport (Bus, Heavy and Light Rail); Taxis, private hire vehicles and commercial traffic for local access;
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 9 T
Powered Two-Wheeled Vehicles; wo Commercial traffic requiring local access; Shopping, Visitors / Tourists and off peak traffic; and strategic Long Stay and Peak time Commuter Traffic.
The safety, accessibility and amenity needs of residents and local community service users and those meeting local economic needs will be considered before the needs of through traffic on local routes. Proposals that do not demonstrably follow this hierarchy will require redesign or revision.
The approach in UDP Policy G/A/1 (P151) will also remain relevant: context
The Council will facilitate accessibility for all by integrating land use development and transport, reducing the need to travel, widen travel choice and encouraging change in travel behaviour by enhancing walking, cycling and public transport travel opportunities. Development and transport proposals will be located, designed and integrated with their surroundings to: a) Reverse the growth in the length and number of motorised journeys; b) Facilitate access by walking, cycling and public transport – including for people with restricted mobility, so widening travel choice for all and reducing reliance on private car use, c) Provide access to motorised vehicles to meet the operational needs of development, while minimising adverse impacts on local communities and the environment; and d) Facilitate the movement of goods by rail and other low carbon alternatives where practicable.
The spatial strategy of the LDF Core Strategy will focus development in the south of the Borough closer to the motorway and fixed line corridors, core bus routes and key transport hubs and interchanges. It will also identify economic growth corridors, housing and mixed-use regeneration areas and broad areas and strategic sites for development while having regard to making the best use of the existing transport network and identifying new schemes and projects that provide sustainable access.
Transport investment will be focused where it minimises peak time travel, while maximising connectivity (to and from trip generators), accessibility (by sustainable forms of travel), reliability (predictable travel times) and opportunities to use sustainable forms of travel. Links will be enhanced to:
Improve inter and sub-regional links to neighbouring centres including Manchester City Centre and Manchester International Airport; Better access and improved transport interchange and hub facilities; and Better access proposed development focus areas and town centres.
In developing a sustainable low carbon and integrated transport system that meets residents’ aspirations and assists economic and social regeneration in the Borough while reducing environmental impact, the Council will continue to work with partners to address constraints by:
Enhancing sustainable and low carbon transport links to growth areas and strategic development sites in the motorway corridor; Improving links between centres within the borough, in neighbouring areas, the regional centre and other key city region destinations such as Manchester Airport and the Trafford Centre;
Tackling congestion, air quality, and reducing CO2 emissions from traffic by minimising car trips, providing better interchanges, public transport services and widening travel choice; Keeping traffic moving and improving journey reliability while making best use of the existing transport network enhancing safety, network technology and electronic information transfer; and Improve links and travel choice to town centres and local community services.
This strategic approach will be supported by development control policy addressing the transport impact and accessibility and parking standards along with Supplementary Planning Document’s (SPDs) for example on Travel Planning and New Development SPD. This offers advice to scheme promoters on producing travel
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 10
plans, their content, benefits and standards required in the design of new developments, taking into account their location, surroundings and application of the Council's Accessibility Hierarchy.
Economic Development Strategy context Rochdale Borough’s Economic Development Strategy seeks the transformation of the local economy and sets out priorities to:
Increase productivity; Raise skill levels and reducing worklessness; Improve infrastructure and attract investment; and strategic Improve quality of life and the attractiveness of the Borough.
wo Transport investment is a specific part of the priority of improving infrastructure and attracting investment T with the objective to:
‘Promote integrated transport and communications, infrastructure and networks’
Key actions to achieve this are:
Continue to improve road links to city regional and national road networks; Ensure a modern, quality public transport system linking the Borough with the city region and national transport networks; Develop a public transport system, to efficiently link commercial development with residential areas; and Develop Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure to support economic transformation.
Rhodes Business Park
Climate Change and Air Quality
Through the Climate Change Act 2008, a UK carbon emission target was set to bring down CO2 emission levels by 80% in 2050 from 1990 baseline levels, with interim targets to reduce by 22% by 2012, 28% by 2017 and 34% by 2022. These are significantly more ambitious than previous targets and are likely to be made more challenging in the future. To achieve them a shift in societal travel behaviour is required with people travelling less and increasing the proportion of trips they make by low carbon modes. The DfT has
produced guidance on delivering low carbon travel to address the cumulative impact on transport CO2
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 11 T
emissions through Regional Funding Allocations and future LTP's. This requires the consideration of a wide wo range of solutions to address transport issues including non-road options, and “softer travel” options focusing on walking, cycling and behavioural change. strategic The July 2009 Department of Transport publication "A Carbon Reduction Strategy for Transport; Low Carbon Transport - A Greener Future" indicates that transport is the source of around 21% of greenhouse gas emissions and has increased by 12% since 1990. The challenge presented by the strategy is to reduce this.
Journeys less than 5 miles also account for 21% of CO2 emissions and 64% is generated from journeys of less than 25 miles. Enabling greater numbers of these journeys to made by sustainable modes of travel will be of benefit in reducing this, particularly for shorter trips. Rochdale Borough's Local Area Agreement (LAA) context includes National Indicator 186, reduction in CO2 emissions as a priority indicator and driver to achieve this.
Guidance and advice on best practice carbon reduction strategies in LTP3 was published by DfT in November 2009. The strategy focuses on "decarbonising" transport, advocating a mix of policies relevant to each mode reducing transport's overall contribution to CO2 emissions. This mix includes:
Reducing the number of trips and need to travel, A greater role for public transport whilst continuing to increase its carbon efficiency Promoting other sustainable modes (walking, cycling and travel behaviour change); Promotion and investment in new technologies and cleaner fuels, and Shifts in fiscal policy and use of trading methods to reduce emissions from aviation and shipping (not within the remit of this document).
Cycling in Rochdale borough
Health and Well Being
A key element in “Pride of Place” is “Improving the Health and Wellbeing” in the Borough. Local Authorities have a "duty of economic, social and environmental wellbeing", enabling them to take the actions necessary to ensure this. Transport policies can contribute by providing opportunities for active travel by the most sustainable travel modes. This encourages exercise, improving the fitness of people, reduces motorised travel and therefore traffic emissions so contributing to tackling climate change and improving air quality. Improving sustainable transport options and infrastructure also assists travel choice in accessing key local facilities and services, including health care.
Regional Funding Allocations (RFA2)
Regional Transport Priorities for the North West provide an important stepping stone to DaSTS (Delivering
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 12
a Sustainable Transport System) which will influence RFA2. The Regional Assembly (4NW) has submitted advice to central government on RFA2 and is commissioning a number of studies into addressing Behavioural Change, Regional Accessibility and Regeneration, Integrated Transport and Maintenance Block Funding Allocation and North West City Region Connectivity. These reflect regional thinking on the strategic drivers
context and advice on climate change impact emerging through the DaSTS process, and are issues that must be addressed for major transport schemes to be included in RFA2 and the GM Transport Fund.
RFA finance for the North West Region is already committed to 2019 and could continue beyond that to around 2025, if central government transport investment in the immediate future reduces.
Kingsway highway construction - night working (Photo courtesy strategic of Kingsway Partnership) wo T
Wider Governance Changes
Sub-regional governance arrangements will change throughout the period this transport strategy covers (to 2026). The introduction of Integrated Transport Authorities (ITAs) through the Local Transport Act 2008 and Sub-National Reviews has started this process with the proposed winding down Regional Assemblies and enlargement of the role of Regional Development Agencies. Key elements are:
Recognising sensitive political and personnel implications; The DfT is keen to build local and regional capacity; and Continuing dialogue with regions on Major Schemes in the new arrangements to ensure continuity at the regional tier.
The DfT recognises local authority and regional concerns regarding burdensome demands, especially relating to scheme appraisal. In response to this and in light of recommendations in the Eddington Report, a review / refresh is underway on appraisal considering:
How to capture wider economic productivity and social benefits; Placing monetary value on the landscapes affected by major schemes; Identifying the contribution of transport in delivering new housing; and How to give scheme promoters better warnings of change.
Some Multi Area Agreements (MAAs) also propose the introduction of appraisal work to ensure proposals are “fit for purpose” and review the suitability of lighter touch appraisals for smaller schemes. These processes aim to address bad practice and poor outcomes of the past, and will assist in prioritising scarce funds. The approach is backed by a Treasury Public Service Agreement Target set with the DfT, to maintain (and if possible improve) value for money of funded schemes.
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 13 T
The Local Transport Act 2008, permits changes in Metropolitan Areas and passes responsibility in leading wo the production of LTP’s to Integrated Transport Authorities (ITA). It also gives them freedom to set up transport policy structures to meet the specific needs of the local area. This raises concerns in power being taken away from local authorities and in Rochdale MBC township communities in influencing local transport strategy. strategic It could also threaten delivery of elements of this transport strategy, if wider GM priorities are not aligned with Rochdale MBC’s aspirations and vision. The Local Transport Act 2008 also contained opportunities for ITA's to gain greater control of public transport services improving co-ordination and management of provision to better align it with passenger needs. This approach is supported by Rochdale MBC and lobbying will continue to secure this. context Programme Deliverability
It is crucial that RFA schemes are deliverable and that Local Authorities progress Major Scheme Business Cases in time to get approval and begin construction when scheduled. The DfT is required and indicates that it will be ready to respond to submissions quickly; openly and collaboratively, to enable scheme promoters to spend awarded funding as programmed.
These changes are required to address a national £180m underspend in 2007/08 RFA. If this continues, in the future, government departments will not be able to guarantee continued levels of transport funding for regions. This will have a “knock on” effect on major enhancements to local transport networks, the aspirations of this strategy and transport measures that support local economic growth.
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 14 context strategic wo T
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 15 Three 3 Current Situation - Movement Patterns in Rochdale Borough current The Borough is centrally located on the “Northern Way”, a strategic growth corridor connecting east to west, Hull to Liverpool and north to south, Newcastle to Manchester. Rochdale Borough is well situated on the edge of the Manchester City Region and adjacent to the Leeds City Region. Through the Northern Way initiative, the government is working with regional bodies to exploit opportunities to bring investment in new development, regeneration and transport infrastructure and close the performance disparity between the situation Northern economy with that of the South East. This Transport Strategy in supporting Rochdale Borough’s Renaissance Masterplan, will enable it to take advantage of these opportunities this challenge presents.
Rochdale Borough, on the edge of the Pennines, is located in the north east of the Greater Manchester sub-region. Rochdale, a sub-regional centre, and the towns of Heywood, Middleton, Milnrow and Littleborough have generally good access to M62 which passes east-west through the borough, the M66 south-north from the M62 along the western edge of Heywood and M60 ring road around Manchester to the south of Middleton. - These routes experience peak time congestion and heavy traffic flows mean delays can occur throughout movement the day and are sensitive to incidents that inhibit traffic movement. The Council, in delivering its transport strategy will work with partner organisations including the Highways Agency to ensure compatibility in managing trip demand and maintaining traffic flow and journey time reliability.
The Borough’s has a traditional employment base. This means travel to work trip patterns are relatively self contained, with around 77% of commuter journeys made locally within the Borough. The reliance on a
declining manufacturing sector however makes the local economy vulnerable to change. Extensive efforts patterns are being made to modernise it, broadening the economic base, developing a skilled workforce and attracting more higher value employment opportunities to the borough. Whilst close to Manchester City Centre, the Borough does not exploit its proximity adequately and although over 9 800 of its residents work in the regional centre, this will increase if the rapid economic growth planned in high value jobs the regional centre can be exploited by the local workforce. in The most significant links to Manchester are from Middleton due to its close proximity, accounting for 15% of morning commuter journeys out of the township. If future opportunities are to be exploited by the borough's rochdale workforce, it needs investment and commitment in re-training enabling it to complete for more skilled and higher value jobs. At present the Borough's workforce is relatively low skilled and low earning therefore travel to work time horizons are relatively short. This accounts for the borough's contained travel to work patterns as workers cannot afford or are not prepared to travel longer distances. People who are higher skilled and have higher incomes are prepared to commute longer distances eg. to Manchester City Centre using good public transport links. borough
There are also substantial travel to work flows between Rochdale and Oldham (13 800 in total) demonstrating a strong relationship between the two boroughs and adding to the flows across the southern boundary of the borough.
The tables below indicate the modal split of travel to work trips from the borough as well as employment status, levels of car ownership and where people work. A comparison is presented with Greater Manchester as a whole and England and Wales for all but the last of these measures. Percentage figures are used.
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 16
Travel Method to Work
Table 1
Name Work mainly Train or Bus mini bus Motorcycle Car or van On foot or Other Total employed at or from tram or coach scooter bicycle people 16 to 74 borough home moped
ENGLAND AND 9.19 7.09 7.40 1.09 61.49 12.76 0.99 100.00 WALES
MANCHESTER 7.74 2.85 10.67 0.82 64.95 11.74 1.23 100.00
ROCHDALE 7.75 1.64 8.95 0.82 66.89 11.93 2.03 100.00 rochdale
in Employment Status
Table 2
Name Employees Self Unemployed Permanently Looking Full time Full time Retired Total employed sick or after student student and people disabled home or with job without Other aged 16 to
patterns family job 74
ROCHDALE 51.09 7.00 3.89 8.26 6.48 2.15 4.04 17.09 100.00
MANCHESTER 51.56 6.65 3.52 7.84 6.09 2.63 5.11 16.59 100.00
ENGLAND AND 52.33 8.28 3.35 5.52 6.51 2.57 4.70 16.73 100.00 WALES
movement Car Ownership - Table 3
Name 0 Cars or Vans 1 Car or van 2 Cars or Vans 3 Cars or Vans 4 or more Cars or Vans Total Households
ROCHDALE 33.46 42.70 19.82 3.27 0.76 100.00
situation MANCHESTER 32.81 43.02 20.09 3.23 0.84 100.00
ENGLAND AND WALES 26.79 43.80 23.53 4.51 1.38 100.00
Where People Work current Table 4
Name Works in Works in Works in Works in Works in GM Works in Works in Total Employed Heywood Middleton Pennines Rochdale not Roch NW not GM UK not NW People 16 to 74 Borough Three
ROCHDALE 9.44 9.84 8.76 34.04 31.13 3.54 3.24 100.00
MANCHESTER 0.32 0.51 0.14 0.62 88.51 7.26 2.64 100.00
This data emphasise the high proportion of people work within the borough and that a high proportion of them travel to work by car compared with the rest of Greater Manchester and nationally. There are also a high proportion of households in Rochdale Borough without access to a car and therefore reliant on sustainable and low carbon forms of travel. Current borough car ownership levels are below the GM average, with over 30% of households not having access to a car. Bus use is also below the GM average, so there is capacity on the bus network to accommodate new passengers.
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 17 Three Traffic at Sudden Junction current situation - movement
Township Travel Patterns
Rochdale Township - Most work trips are internal to the township and the borough with only 54% of them patterns made by car. Containing the sub-regional centre, Rochdale Township has the highest levels of travel to work by sustainable modes. This could be due to low levels of car ownership (or registration) in the township. Car travel to / from Oldham and Bury are particularly high, indicating that the public transport alternatives (used by 10.8% and 9% of people travelling to work) are not attractive, convenient, affordable or publicised well enough for commuters to choose it as a travel option. Preference is travelling by car contributes to peak time delays experienced on local radial routes between Rochdale and Oldham / Bury. in
Pennines Township - The majority of travel to work movements are within Pennines or to Rochdale Township. rochdale Together with trips to Manchester and Oldham account for over 76% of such journeys. 44% of journeys to Manchester City Centre are made by train emphasising the importance of the Calder Valley Line, while almost 80% of trips to Oldham are made by car, again indicating the lack of convenience with which public transport is perceived. As a destination for employment, Pennines Township is convenient for commuters from Calderdale and Rossendale but also over 29% of internal journeys in the township are made on foot indicating a high number of short distance trips. borough
Middleton Township - Although the highest proportion of trips are made within Middleton Township, its travel to work pattern is more widespread to / from destinations outside the area (Manchester, Oldham, Salford and Trafford all feature prominently). This reflects the location of the township being conducive to accessing centres of employment growth. The relationship with Rochdale Township is much weaker than other parts of the Borough, and despite its close proximity travel to work trips to Bury are relatively low (2.3%). Bus use is significantly higher in Middleton Township than elsewhere in the Borough. Around 41% of trips to work in Manchester City Centre driven by a frequent, appealing and convenient service and the nearest railway station being on the eastern edge of the township area. The proportion of bus journeys to Rochdale Township and Oldham are significant.
Heywood Township - also has a contained travel pattern and the high proportion of journeys to work made on foot is indicative of low levels of car ownership (registration) and a lack of mobility of the labour market. Travel by bus to and from Heywood Township other than to Middleton is low, surprising as there is no public rail service. Rochdale Township, Bury, Manchester and Oldham all feature prominently as travel to work origins and destinations with car travel being the dominant mode, again indicating the lack of appeal of sustainable transport alternatives.
Lorry movements and routing is a key issue in Heywood Township, particularly to the commercial and
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 18
distribution industry development to the south of the town but also along the A58 through the town. At present commercial traffic predominantly accesses via M66 Junction 3, a route that has strong support from the local community as it avoids built up areas. For haulage operators travelling to from Yorkshire and the Eastern side of the UK this route adds time, fuel costs and generates emissions compared with being able to access directly off the M62. borough Sustainable Transport Network
The Caldervale Railway Line (Manchester Victoria to Leeds) is heavily used, with Mills Hill, Castleton, Rochdale, Smithy Bridge and Littleborough stations, serving the Borough. Both stopping (2 services an hour) and direct services (a further 2 services an hour) during the day operate on the route. Non-stop services
rochdale take under 15 minutes to travel between Rochdale and Manchester Victoria. Compared with Trans-Pennine Express services between Manchester and Leeds via Huddersfield however, services on the Calder Valley in Line take around 45 minutes longer to travel between Manchester and Leeds. They are not therefore as attractive to the business, economic, social and leisure travel demands of the population centres they serve and is indicative of the lack success the line has recently had in attracting investment. Peak time services, particularly in to Manchester in the morning peak operate at capacity and passengers until recently were frequently left at stations, particularly at Mills Hill.
patterns The Rochdale – Oldham Loop railway line serving Newhey and Milnrow closed in October 2009 for conversion to a Metrolink Line with an additional stops at Newbold and in due course Kingsway Business Park. The Metrolink line will open to Rochdale Railway Station in Spring 2012. Construction of a further section of line to Rochdale Town Centre (Phase 3B) will follow.
The privately operated East Lancashire Railway (ELR) Line from Rawtenstall to Heywood via Bury is mainly used for leisure journeys, but extensions to link with the Network Rail line at Castleton and the feasibility of operating services between Rawtenstall and Manchester Victoria are being assessed. These will operate movement
- alongside and not affect ELR's existing or aspirational leisure service operations.
Rochdale MBC will support opportunities aimed at increasing the movement of goods by rail and contribute to reducing commercial traffic on the highway network in the Borough. This is a potential option to access the commercial areas to the south of Heywood through provision of a short spur off East Lancashire Railway.
The main centres of the borough are well served by bus services: to Manchester via Middleton, Bury / Bolton situation via Heywood, Oldham / Ashton under Lyne and to Rossendale. All have at least a 10 minute frequency on weekdays and Saturdays. These are backed by a network of local services to local centres and residential areas in the borough. Patronage levels are variable dependent on the perceived appeal and attractiveness of services. Those serving Middleton and on to Manchester from Rochdale and Bury / Heywood are commercially successful. current Parts of the local network during the recent economic downturn have been rationalised though combining routes and reducing service frequencies to maintain their commercial viability. The increasing cost of services has also squeezed the subsidised public transport network reducing the resources available to provide new
Three services. The Council strongly supports strengthening of the bus network, exemplified through its work with GMPTE in securing "Kickstart" funding for 3 years to establish a new hourly service linking Rochdale to Stockport via Oldham and Ashton under Lyne. This success is part of a further aspiration to have a direct bus link from the borough to Manchester Airport and to other major sub-regional attractions such as the Trafford Centre.
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 19 Three Littleborough Railway Station (Photo courtesy of Northern Rail) current situation - movement patterns in rochdale borough
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 20 borough rochdale in patterns movement - situation current Three
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 21 Four 4 Key Issues
Connecting to Jobs, Education and Training Opportunities key
Rochdale Borough is one of the most deprived districts in England, 55,000 people (27% of the total population of 206 500) live in areas in the 10% most deprived nationally. Some of these have poor transport connections issues to jobs, education and training opportunities such as at Kingsway Business Park as well as high quality shopping, health, leisure and other essential local community facilities. This inadequate access is prevalent at three levels
Strategically, accessing the rest of Greater Manchester (including the regional centre) and neighbouring towns and regions; Borough wide, access within and across the borough; and Locally, accessing local amenities, transport hubs and interchanges.
At Borough level, transport links will be improved to and from Middleton, Heywood, Milnrow and Littleborough, for example to Kingsway Business Park. At present, direct links are available by car, with walking and cycle access to neighbouring areas, Milnrow, Rochdale and Castleton. Demand responsive transport services are available from Heywood and Rochdale, but bus journeys are lengthy and require interchange. The additional time and costs incurred mean public transport is not yet viewed as an attractive proposition. A key issue for lower skilled workers is travel affordability which needs greater consideration in provision of services. Affordable and direct and cross town bus services are required, to access key trip generators outside town centres such as employment areas, out of town retail parks, tourist areas and transport hubs.
Taking Advantage of our Strategic Location - Access to the Regional Centre
The borough will exploit and contribute to the prosperity of the city region and the Northern Way by enhancing access to economic and job opportunities, local amenities and to neighbouring areas including Manchester City Centre. This is vital to enhancing the prosperity of Rochdale Borough and assist in tackling local deprivation issues. To achieve this in a sustainable manner, step change improvements in transit methods (for people, goods and information) and additional peak time capacity across the transport network is required, particularly non-car modes as the motorways serving the Borough already operate at capacity for much of the day. Addressing freight movements contribute to this as the borough, particularly south of Heywood is a location for agglomeration of warehousing and distribution industries that generate significant heavy goods vehicle movements.
Improving Access to Town and Local Centres and Transport Hubs
Access to the town centres across the borough is reasonably good by all modes, including by public transport, but sustainable access to community facilities (e.g. schools, colleges, health facilities, hospitals and parks) needs to be enhanced. Transport hubs and interchanges will in the future through LDF policies provide gateways to adjacent high density employment opportunities as well as the areas they serve. These transport facilities require continuous improvement to make the public transport experience more attractive and appealing such as improved passenger information on vehicles and at stops, more comfortable waiting facilities and vehicles, through and smart ticketing etc. Provision of convenient, safe cycling and walking networks with secure parking and changing facilities, innovative demand responsive travel services and individualised travel planning will also promote change in travel behaviour in providing access to trip generators.
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 22
Middleton Bus Station issues key Four
Minimising Travel
Initiatives to change travel behaviour such as reviewing working practices, home working, enhanced IT networks to allow better transfer of information and intelligent transport management and control systems (ITMC) that promote the appeal of sustainable travel and maximise use of the existing transport network and ease travel delays. These measures contribute to the Borough’s LAA target in tackling climate change and a number of GMLTP targets including improving air quality in Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA’s).
Encouraging Walking and Cycling
Around 11.9% of travel to work journeys in Rochdale Borough are made on foot or by cycle, just above the average for Greater Manchester. Monitoring at key locations in the borough show a slight increase in walking balanced by a slight fall in the number of cycle journeys. There are however locations in the borough where new facilities have been installed where cycle flows have significantly increased from a low base eg. Kingsway Business Park.
The weather and topography of the Borough are significant factors in determining the appeal of cycling and walking as modes of travel. It is also important that there is good connectivity to provide continuous routes for cyclists. Not achieving this particularly when cycle networks are being developed is a criticism of cyclists.
Addressing the needs of pedestrians and cyclists and promoting safe and secure access for these forms of travel is a Council priority, illustrated by the Council’s Accessibility Hierarchy developed in the UDP. This provides a focus on connectivity offering appealing, safe, cycle and walking routes with convenient links to development areas, local and community facilities and amenities, town centres, transport hubs and interchanges that cyclists and pedestrians will use. To assist with this all new developments will link to existing pedestrian (with appropriate provision for people with mobility difficulties) and cycle networks. An aim is for both modes should be the dominant form of travel in the borough for journeys of less than 1.5kms and a significant proportion of journeys less than 3kms.
It is anticipated that longer journeys and the needs of leisure cyclists will be addressed through Green Infrastructure and Green Network strategies. The latter has a target of 95% for households being within 800 metres of a Green Network route by 2020. Shorter links should be provided to link with adjacent community facilities and employment areas. The Connect 2 Cycle Network proposals are the first stage in delivering this. Implementation started in 2008 and will be completed in 2012 by the Council in partnership with Sustrans and British Waterways, and will encourage both leisure and utility cycle trips. The proposed local pedestrian and cycle links to Metrolink stops supporting the conversion of the heavy rail line are also part of the development of a coherent network.
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 23 Four Rochdale Borough at present relies on Greater Manchester Cycling and Walking Strategies, but will be seeking to exert greater influence through the development of strategies and an action plan consistent with the emerging Green Infrastructure Plan, the Green Network and the Council’s Rights of Way Improvement
Plan which runs to 2017. The borough walking and cycling strategies will identify a priority network and key improvements directing investment to strategic routes and links to local and community amenities. Pedestrian and cycling audits will identify improvements in master-plan exercises, and feasibility studies with deliverable proposals going forward into programmes and action plans. issues
Shopping in Rochdale
Prioritising Public Transport Improvements
Rail patronage has consistently risen in the Borough with a 6% increase in 2007. Since 1991 the number of people entering the Borough by train has risen by 90%, with people commuting to Manchester by train up 28% during the same period. In 2009, 4.5 million bus miles were operated in Rochdale Borough, 4% less than 2006, however bus patronage across the borough underpinned by improvements on the Core Quality Bus corridor network is slowly increasing.
The following public transport enhancements are priorities and aspirations for the borough to be delivered through this transport strategy:
Improvements to the Heavy Rail Network by:
Upgrading the services and capacity on the Calder Valley Line; Extending the network by exploiting the potential of the East Lancashire Railway; Improvements to the Borough's Park and Ride at Stations; and New and Improved stations and rolling stock.
Improvements to the Bus Network by:
Enhancing facilities in Rochdale Town Centre; Enhancing cross borough bus routes; Enhancing access to employment and development growth areas as well as local / community amenities; Enhancing Access to Manchester City Centre; and Enhanced service co-ordination and interchange opportunities in Heywood.
Exploiting Metrolink by:
Provision of additional Stations and Park and Ride;
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 24
Securing the extension to Rochdale Town Centre; and Exploring the feasibility of extending the Metrolink network to other key centres in the Borough.
Getting More from Heavy Rail Passenger Services issues Heavy rail passenger services on the Calder Valley Line particularly at peak times are heavily used. Capacity of services into Manchester until recently were exceeded with passengers at some stations (particularly Mills key Hill) unable to board their intended train. The Council is working with the train operator Northern Rail, neighbouring local authorities and both GMPTE and Metro (West Yorkshire PTE) to address these issues and future demand. Local authorities perceive improvements to the line combined with better integration with
Four other modes will make significant economic and social impact on the communities it serves. The Council will continue to lobby the rail industry and contribute evidence supporting any business cases for Calder Valley line upgrades and capacity enhancements.
These issues are starting to be addressed by lengthening trains (and platforms if required), improved time tabling, enhancing track infrastructure, signalling and rolling stock and improving existing service operation. When this is achieved, capacity will be available to accommodate new services from for example the reinstatement of Todmorden Curve and linking the East Lancashire Railway Line to Network Rail’s lines connecting new communities to the public rail network e.g. Heywood. It will create opportunities to enhance service frequency between the Borough and Manchester and enable into the feasibility of new stations to be considered. This approach is reliant on commitment from the Rail Industry (Network Rail, GMITA and Train Operating Companies) with Council, lobby group and local community support.
In addition to enhancing capacity on the railway side of stations, improvements in access and facilities to railway stations are required. This will be increasingly important during the LDF period to 2026 where development growth corridors / areas will be located close to transport hubs and interchanges, town centres and particularly high-density proposals. Substantial enhancements are required to park and ride facilities and better metrolink, bus, walking and cycle routes to rail stations, are required; especially as the motorway network continues to operate at or near capacity for much of the day and will not be able to accommodate increased levels of development traffic in the future.
A key element is the provision of public transport services that not only serve urban centres but cross town or areas of the borough to serve strategic development sites as well as public transport interchanges. The responsibility for delivering these lies with the Council, in partnership with GMITA and transport operators. For example, Rochdale Railway Station already has issues caused by limited available parking, and rail travellers already compete for on-street parking spaces with parking generated from adjacent businesses, the new Health Centre on MacLure Road and taxi waiting areas. There will be further pressure with the construction of Metrolink Phase 3A and the introduction of a residents parking scheme.
The railway station is a key gateway in a development growth area focusing on Central and South Rochdale including the Canal Basin and requires ease of access into its surroundings and the town centre. Provision of additional park and ride for the railway station will need to be an integral part of the development if its role as a gateway to / from the borough is to be strengthened.
Competition for parking space occurs at other railway stations in the borough; Littleborough through lack of park and ride facilities and rail heading (passengers coming from West Yorkshire to take advantage of cheaper fares), Smithy Bridge, poor quality park and ride facilities and Mills Hill which has insufficient park and ride facilities to meet existing demand. Castleton has limited off-street parking, but is located in an intended LDF growth corridor with development opportunities adjacent to the station offering potential to provide additional park and ride spaces serving the station. It could also be a terminus for East Lancashire Railway in the future. All of these stations are served by regular bus services which require better promotion, publicity and integration with rail services needs to be ensured.
Rochdale Railway Station offers very poor penetration in to the town centre and its location does not at present, lend support key regeneration activities. In addition, improvements are required to the station environment so that passengers feel safe and secure. It is also important that fares remain affordable and favourably comparable with bus, Metrolink and car park charges if modal shift targets are to be achieved. Modest park and ride improvements will be sought at Mills Hill Railway Station.
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 25 Four Rochdale MBC will support any proposals to develop the movement of freight by rail, particularly where it takes large commercial vehicles away from sensitive residential and urban areas. In Network Rail's Route Utilisation Strategies (RUS's) covering the area rail freight opportunities across the network under utilised and with commitment and investment in suitable locations businesses in the borough could capitalise on key them. One such location in the future may be through the construction of a short spur from ELR to the commercial development and distribution parks to the south of Heywood. No such proposal has come forward and will not be included issues
Maximising the Benefits of Metrolink
Work has already started to convert the Rochdale, Oldham to Manchester Loop line from Heavy Rail to Metrolink. This line will open in the Spring 2012. It is assumed in this transport strategy to be a light rail route from Manchester to Rochdale Railway station via Oldham with stops at Newhey, Milnrow, and Newbold (Kingsway). It is also anticipated that a further stop serving Kingsway Business Park will be provided, a Council transport priority and essential if the travel plan targets for the business park are to be delivered. The stop is expected to attract private funding through planning approvals for the adjacent development, but the recent economic climate has resulted in the take up of land at Kingsway being slower and developer finance has yet to come forward. It is also expected to attract external regeneration grant funding.
Phase 3B of Metrolink will extend the line from Rochdale Railway Station to the Town Centre and is expected to follow the completion of Phase 3A, which is being constructed with that in mind. This will be financed through the GM Transport Fund, the successor to the Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) programme which did not attract public support when voted on in December 2008. Supporting works will be carried out to improve walking, cycling and public transport links to all Metrolink stops in the Borough.
The Council has longer term aspirations to enhance high quality public transport links to Middleton and beyond Rochdale to Littleborough and Whitworth to enhance the choice and appeal of sustainable travel in those communities and improve connectivity with the rest of the borough and Greater Manchester. This strategy advocates the completion of feasibility studies to assess the viability of these proposals.
Improving Bus Service Reliability and Frequency on Key Routes
The main centres of the borough are served by 10 minute or better frequency daytime bus services, but evening an Sunday services are less frequent and it is these where bus network improvements are needed. A major bus service review is being carried out by GMPTE in conjunction with operators, local authorities and other partners. Poor integration of bus services with other transport modes, particularly the rail network and to service key development areas is a local issue. Bus passenger facilities also fall below acceptable standards for passengers and work will continue to improve security and safety on the network.
Anti-social behaviour and crime on public transport is more acute in Rochdale Borough than in much of the rest of Greater Manchester. This is being addressed and showing improvement. The new Middleton Bus Station has had a big impact in this regard and has received almost universal approval from passengers and the local community. Improvements in design of vehicles, stops and interchanges and use of CCTV (Closed Circuit Television Cameras) has dramatically reduced crime levels. It is expected that the design of Rochdale PT Interchange will be sensitive in meeting passenger and operator needs and generate similar community approval and crime / anti-social behaviour reductions.
Partnership working with GMITA/PTE and bus operators is vital in developing bus priority measures that improve service reliability, provide a safer more comfortable and appealing network. Developing enhanced cross town and cross borough services that access key trip generators will assist, as will the introduction of a Rochdale Metroshuttle Service linking the railway station with the bus station and key town centre locations. This will be developed by the Council in partnership with GMITA and GMPTE, but will not progress until the majority local funding element has been secured.
In striving to improve the appeal and reliability of the bus network, quality corridors will continue to be enhanced. Identification of delay points and measures to address these on core routes will continue, particularly where there is no competing rail alternative e.g. A664 Middleton to Manchester corridor. Heywood Town Centre also experiences poor integration of bus services and a central bus interchange is sought to provide
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 26
a focal point for passengers and services to address this. It is intended that this proposal will form part of the Rochdale West package competing for inclusion in the GM Transport Fund.
Prioritising bus travel issues key Four
Congestion and Sustainable Improvements to the Highway Network
There are 799 kilometres of road in the borough consisting of 24km of motorway, 80km of principal road, 24km of B roads, 34km of other classified roads and 637km of unclassified roads.
The Borough has poor connectivity and interchange between the different transport modes. This has led to increasing reliance on the private car despite having lower than average car ownership compared with the rest of GM and nationally. The high average daily flow per kilometre (2008) on the motorways passing through the borough of 95 000 vehicles is symptomatic of this. Average 2008 flows on A and B roads of 15 300 and 11 200 respectively are modest, but delays occur at bottlenecks during peak times affecting journey reliability, most notably on the A58 from Littleborough to west of Heywood, routes to and from the motorway network and to the town centres. Traffic reduced in Rochdale Borough by 3% on motorways in 2008, but remained unchanged on A and B roads compared to an average 2% fall in Greater Manchester as a whole.
These figures indicate the recession has bitten into travel activity in the borough but also suggests that the sustainable transport network is not yet reliable or enticing enough to give people the confidence to switch modes even for short journeys. The benefits of alternative travel modes to the car need to be promoted more effectively allowing the public to make informed choice of travel options. Implementing smarter choices measures such as individualised travel planning where people are encouraged to review their travel behaviour and explore the alternatives has reduced trips in local areas where it has been implemented by up to 10%. Its effectiveness in the long term relies on locking in benefits by reducing car parking space that is no longer required and other less controversial measures.
Average journey times have remained unchanged in Rochdale Borough since 2005, but there has been a decrease in the morning and evening peak trips. Average journey times in 2008 were shorter in Rochdale than Greater Manchester as a whole. Recent schemes to address congestion at A58 / A671 Townhead Junction, Sudden Junction Improvements and the A664/A671 Kingsway / Oldham Road Junction have started to have an impact, but there is still significant under investment in the Borough’s transport network to meet its social and economic regeneration needs. Further improvements to the existing network can further enhance its operational efficiency but in some locations, land and property acquisition limits the scope for junction improvements. The A58, for example could operate more efficiently with installation of modern, intelligent signal control and accommodate currently restricted turning movements. Selective land acquisition could the opportunity to free up capacity through junctions to address bottlenecks. Such measures will be progressed
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 27 Four with caution as local politicians require persuasion of the merits of Intelligent Transport Management Systems (ITMS) and that further traffic signal control reduces delays and will improve journey reliability on congested radial routes. key Sections of Rochdale Borough’s highway network with peak time congestion problems are:
A58 between Rochdale and Littleborough; issues Elizabethan Way / Bridge Street / Kiln Lane Milnrow; Hopwood Triangle including Green Lane/Middleton Rd/Manchester Rd/Coronation Avenue, Heywood; Manchester Old Road, Rhodes Middleton; and Edenfield Road, Spotland Bridge, Rochdale.
There were 571 injury accidents in Rochdale during 2008 resulting in 801 casualties of which where 84 killed or seriously injured (KSI). The long term downward trend in accidents and casualties demonstrates that the measures implemented to address safety issues have proven to be successful.
This strategy although prioritising travel by sustainable modes particularly on foot, by cycle and using public transport recognises that this needs to be supported in selective locations by operational improvement of the authority's highway network. Where the effects of traffic are mitigated in sensitive areas the following will be considered:
improve journey reliability measures on routes to / from the motorway network; Enhanced access to major employment and development growth areas eg Royle Works, Heywood Distribution Park / Hareshill; Enhanced traffic management in sensitive areas using clear selection criteria, but including: Heywood Town Centre, Hopwood Triangle, Heywood, Residential areas affected by unsuitable commercial traffic, On routes to and around schools. Removing traffic in town centres to reduce conflict and re-balance priority between vulnerable user groups and vehicles e.g. Rochdale Town Centre, Middleton Town Centre; and Enhanced transport links between major employment / development growth areas and Sustainable Communities.
A627(M) to Rochdale
Tackling Freight Issues
Within Rochdale Borough, 4% of trips on A Roads, 2% on B Roads and minor roads are made by HGV’s. Despite these low flow proportions, there are areas of the borough where HGV movements cause
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 28
disproportionate levels of intrusion and nuisance to local communities. These correlate with areas where HGV flows are higher, namely through Heywood and Middleton town centres. Both are on diversion routes for traffic when incidents block the motorway. In Heywood, HGV’s travel from M66 Junction 2 and the M62 to the Industrial / Distribution Parks to the south of the town, some through the town centre. At present issues Rochdale MBC does not have a co-ordinated Freight Strategy but is party to the Greater Manchester Freight Strategy and a partner in the Greater Manchester Freight Quality Partnership. It is working with businesses and developers in the Heywood area to minimise the impact of HGV’s on local communities. key
Where appropriate and opportunities arise Rochdale MBC will work with partners to promote and encourage movement of freight by sustainable modes eg rail freight and by boat. Where proposals demonstrably take
Four large commercial vehicles away from sensitive residential and urban areas or off the highway network, the Council will be particularly supportive. In Network Rail's Route Utilisation Strategies (RUS's) covering the Borough, rail freight opportunities across the network under utilised and with commitment and investment in suitable locations, businesses in the borough could capitalise on them. One potential railfreight opportunity may be through the provision of a link from ELR to the distribution parks to the south of Heywood. No such proposal has come forward or included in the action plan as it is required to demonstrate it is deliverable within the time scale of this strategy.
Proposals to move freight by water will also be supportively considered but may be restricted by navigability, number of locks and environmental designations along the Borough's waterways.
Lorry negotiating a slow bend
Managing Travel Demand
This emerging issue is becoming increasingly influential in tackling congestion, reducing carbon levels and climate change, emissions from traffic and contributing to improving health. Widening travel choice and encouraging more trips by sustainable modes contribute to making "smarter choices" in moving towards more environmentally sustainable travel behaviour. These innovative approaches also aim to:
Reduce the need to travel through home working, home deliveries of shopping etc; and Exploiting alternatives to travel, such as video conferencing and methods of transferring information electronically. This is dependent on developing broadband capacity across the borough to accommodate a much greater volume of electronic traffic.
At present the Borough has a parking strategy to address issues in Rochdale Town Centre during its redevelopment. There is a need to develop a parking strategy for the whole borough addressing future demand for short and long stay parking needs and finding other uses for parking areas that are surplus or
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 29 Four unused at present.
A programme to manage behavioural change and delivering smarter travel formed part of the TIF proposals.
This strategy includes initiatives seeking modal shift towards walking, cycling and public transport journeys key and more innovative solutions to reduce travel demand or develop alternatives to address local congestion issues. issues These individual solutions forms a suite of "Smarter Choices" measures. Examples of these are detailed in Appendix 3 of Rochdale Council's Travel Planning and New Development Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). Appendix 7 of that SPD outlines sources of further guidance and information on implementing these measures. All developments and infrastructure improvements should consider these throughout the design process maintaining consistency with the Council Accessibility Hierarchy.
Improving Local Transport Safety
Progress in meeting national and local road safety indicators in GMLTP2 is on track, to achieve a 50% reduction in KSI (killed and seriously injured) casualties in Greater Manchester on 1997-98 baseline by 2010. In Rochdale MBC achieved a 31% reduction in 2006-08 compared to the 1994-98 base.
A 55% reduction in total child KSI casualties in Greater Manchester on the 1997-1998 baseline by 2010 is sought. In Rochdale MBC the reduction achieved is 64% to 2006-2008 compared to the 1994-98 base.
Local targets also show a reduction in pedestrian (down 47%) and cycle ( down 39%) casualties to 2006.The target for slight casualties was also achieved with a 41% reduction by 2008.It is assumed that this target will be stretched to be more challenging in the future.
This performance contributes to the GMLTP2 road safety targets and reflects the structured approach to developing the Local Safety Schemes in the borough. Ongoing review of best practice, and following ISO endorsed Quality Management Systems has assisted in achieving this, ensuring consistency in assessment and identifying remedial measures. This approach will continue and where possible be strengthened through the period covered by this transport strategy.
Rochdale Canal cycle route
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 30
Maintaining the Transport Network
Underpinning this strategy is the assumption that the integrity of the existing transport network will be maintained and that best use will be made of it. To this end, the Council has produced a Transport Asset issues Management Plan (TAMP) enabling a consistent approach in managing, valuing and financing the network in line with County Surveyors' Society Framework for Highway Asset Management. It is based on the principle by substantiating investment in maintaining the highway by demonstrating value for money in delivering the key Council’s long term aims and maximising operation of the existing network highlighted in the LTP3 guidance.
The TAMP assesses whether current expenditure levels have a positive or negative effect on the Borough's
Four maintenance backlog. Future development of the plan will define strategic routes and identify optimum resource investment allocation levels in the transport infrastructure. In the short term there will be emphasis on modernising and improving efficiency of the street lighting asset.
The TAMP is an evolving document, and will be subject to regular review, ensuring it adapts to changing practice, and delivers a responsive service to the Borough's residents and businesses.
Highway works in Middleton
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 31 Five 5 Vision and Objectives
Vision vision
The Council’s overall transport strategy vision is:
“By 2026, Rochdale Borough will have a safe, affordable, sustainable, reliable, accessible and and integrated transport network that offers travel choice, serves its communities, tackles air quality and climate change enhances social inclusion, public health and supports the regeneration of the local area” objectives
To achieve this Vision and the principals set in Chapter 1, a series of objectives have been identified which potential schemes and projects will be required to contribute. These objectives lead from the key issues on the Borough's existing transport network set out in Chapter 4.
Objectives
1. To provide a comprehensive, high quality public transport system serving all areas of the Borough, neighbouring centres including the regional centre (Manchester) and key destinations and development growth areas; 2. To reduce demand for travel by better integration of land use and transport policy and enforcing the Council's Accessibility Hierarchy, prioritising the needs of sustainable travel modes and "Smarter Choices" principles to achieve modal shift and reduce travel demand; 3. To improve selective strategic links to other city-regions and the national transport network; 4. To provide a transport infrastructure which removes traffic from environmentally sensitive areas and provides good access to key employment sites; 5. To provide a safe environment for residents by reducing vulnerable road user / vehicle conflict; 6. To prioritise and maximise cycling and walking opportunities to access employment, local services and amenities and recreational opportunities; 7. To locate development where it is accessible by a choice of transport modes, meets business and regeneration priorities; 8. Develop a public transport system which efficiently links employment and residential communities and local amenities promoting modal shift; 9. Focus transport improvements on accessing development growth areas within the borough; and 10. Maximise use of the existing transport infrastructure to enhance and provide sustainable access to local facilities.
In delivering these objectives:
Strategic bus and rail links to the regional centre (Manchester), neighbouring centres and regions will be transformed with more capacity and improved quality; Trans-Pennine rail links serving the borough will be quicker, reliable, more extensive offering direct access to more destinations and have greater passenger capacity; Rochdale Town Centre will have new public transport interchange facilities; Metrolink will extend to Rochdale Town Centre and serve Kingsway Business Park; Rail stations at Castleton, Rochdale, Mills Hill, Smithy Bridge and Littleborough will be improved, with greater passenger usage, enhanced security, enhanced integration with other travel modes. more park and ride, and safer, more comfortable waiting facilities; Town centres will give greater priority to pedestrians and shoppers, be safer and more easily accessed by a choice of transport modes; Bus reliability, comfort and journey times along Core Bus Corridors will improve, with evening and Sunday services more frequent with modern efficient ticketing and real time information introduced at key stops; Heywood will experience fewer problems, from heavy goods vehicles travelling through its streets;
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 32
Public transport links will improve access to key employment areas (Kingsway, South Heywood, South Rochdale,Stakehill) from key settlements and there will be more cross town / regional centre bus services; A greater percentage of residents and visitors will be using public transport or other sustainable forms of travel in the Borough particularly for short journeys; New 21st century employment sites and new homes will be in sustainable locations and accessible by
objectives a range of transport modes; Congestion on primary transport corridors will reduce, with better trip reliability, improved air quality and give rise to a lower carbon transport network; and The East Lancs Railway will be extended to Castleton and public rail services will be able to access the Calder Valley Line via Castleton Junction; A public heavy rail service will link Heywood and Manchester Victoria; There will be more miles of cycleway and a coherent cycle network linking main centres with more vision routes to local communities and amenities; Pedestrian links between communities and local services will be enhanced and safer; Roads and footpaths will be well maintained, safer, with fewer road casualties and fatalities;
Five School travel will be safer with all schools implementing travel plans and the number of pupils travelling by car, reduced; Commuters will have a viable alternative to the car for most journeys and transport authorities will work with businesses to provide this while maintaining their competitiveness; and High specification broadband network and intelligent communication technology will enhance the efficient operation of the transport network and information and data transfer, reducing the need to travel.
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 6 Linking Transport Proposals to the Strategy
The table below details the proposals included in the Action Plan linking them to the Strategy Vision and Objectives. Any proposals not contributing to these are not included. There is a short description of each scheme.
Table 5 Programme of Transport Strategy Projects and links to Aims and Objectives.
Proposals Vision Scheme Description
Aim Objective
Walking and Cycling
Walking & Cycling Access to Metrolink Develop Walking & Cycle Strategies Prioritise & maximise walking / cycle Provide walking & cycle links from existing network Stops Study access to Metrolink stops
Connect 2 Cycle Network More cycleways and provision of a Prioritise & maximise walking / cycle Provide Strategic cycle network to township and coherent network access neighbouring centres ROCHDALE
Green Network Development (including More cycleways and provision of a Prioritise & maximise walking / cycle Continue to develop the strategic cycle network cycle link to Rossendale) coherent network access to township and neighbouring centres.
Walking & Cycling access to railway Develop Walking & Cycle Strategies Prioritise & maximise walking / cycle Enhance walking & cycle links from existing
BOROUGH Stations Study access network to Railway Stations.
Develop Borough Walking & Cycle Develop Walking & Cycle Strategies Prioritise & maximise walking / cycle Prepare Walking and Cycling strategies to meet Strategies access Borough's aspirations
TRANSPORT Improve Pedestrian & Cycle Links to Enhanced & Safer Pedestrian & Cycle Prioritise & maximise walking / cycle Measures improving walking / cycling connectivity Town Centres Links access to town centres
Rochdale Canal Cycleway More cycleways and provision of a Prioritise & maximise walking / cycle Provision of Rochdale Canal cycle route. Link to coherent network. access Connect 2 routes.
Middleton, Manchester Rd / Long St Enhanced and Safer Pedestrian & Prioritise & maximise walking / cycle Extension of Pedestrianisation in Middleton Town STRA Pedestrianisation Cycle Links access Centre.
TEGY Esplanade, Town Hall Sq. & South Enhanced & Safer Pedestrian & Cycle Prioritise & maximise walking / cycle Removal of parking. Extend pedestrianisation Parade Pedestrianisation Links access around Town Hall 33 , JUNE Boroughwide Replace Underpasses Enhanced and Safer Pedestrian & Prioritise & maximise walking / cycle Remove underpasses and provide safe surface with Surface Crossings Cycle Links access crossing points and walking routes to town centres.
2010 strategy the to proposals transport linking Six ROCHDALE Six linking transport proposals to the strategy 34
Proposals Vision Scheme Description
BOROUGH Aim Objective
Programme of Home and School Zones Well maintained roads with fewer Better safety. Reduce VRU / vehicle Measures reducing traffic speeds & conflict with casualties conflict vulnerable road users.
TRANSPORT Travel Behaviour Change Initiatives Reduce travel demand and enhance Reduce travel demand and enhance Measures to promote more sustainable travel Package sustainable travel choice. sustainable travel choice. opportunities easing road network congestion.
Public Transport - Bus
Rochdale PT Interchange Rochdale Town Centre Interchange & Provide High Quality PT System New Town centre PT interchange with Metrolink
STRA Rail P&R terminus.
Rochdale Town Centre Metroshuttle Accessible Town centres by a choice Provide High Quality PT System Free Rochdale Town Centre shuttle bus service. TEGY of modes Links bus to rail station.
, Heywood Town Centre Bus Accessible Town centres by a choice Provide High Quality PT System Provide Bus interchange facility to provide a focus JUNE Improvements of modes and rationalise services.
2010 QBC Bus Priority Schemes (inc A58, Quality bus corridors and reliable Provide High Quality PT System Measures relieving congestion and improving bus A640) journeys journey reliability.
Rochdale Borough Cross Town Service Strategic Bus & Rail Links to Regional Provide High Quality PT System Cross town bus services linking communities to Improvements Centre jobs / local amenities.
Yellow School Buses More use of PT & sustainable travel Provide high quality PT system Expand yellow bus service to more of the modes. promoting modal shift. Borough's schools.
East Lancs Railway
East Lancs Railway Upgrade to Network Extend ELR to Castleton & Calder Provide High Quality PT System Upgrade line to run Public Rail Services. Expand Rail Standards Valley Line Tourist leisure services.
New Broadfield Station, Heywood Enhanced PT links to Key Employment Provide High Quality PT System New Broadfield Station serving Distribution parks Areas south of Heywood.
Improve Park & Ride at Castleton Enhanced PT links to Key Employment Provide High Quality PT System Improved Park & Ride at Castleton Station with Station. Areas ELR extension and wider development.
Enhanced Heywood Station. Rail station improvements including Provide High Quality PT System Enhanced Station building with better facilities & Park & Ride range of income streams. Proposals Vision Scheme Description
Aim Objective
Heavy Rail
Calder Valley Line Station & Capacity Strategic Bus & Rail Links to Regional Reduce the Demand for Travel Enhance Rochdale Station Frontage, Public Improvements (Stage1) Centre Realm. HLOS Rolling stock.
Rochdale Railway Station - enhanced Improved park and ride to maintain Provide High Quality PT system and Retain / modest increase in park and ride stock Park & Ride access to station. access to it. to access station
Caldervale Line Station & Capacity Imps Trans Pennine Rail Links faster, more Improve selective strategic links Small scale rail network capacity increases and (Stage 2) capacity turnback facilities.
Mills Hill & Smithy Bridge Railway Rail station improvements including Reduce the Demand for Travel Increase Park & Ride. Reduce on-street Station Park & Ride Park & Ride congestion & rail service access.
Enhanced Park & Ride at Littleborough Rail station improvements including Reduce the Demand for Travel Increase Park & Ride. Reduce on-street ROCHDALE Railway Station. Park & Ride congestion & rail service access.
Caldervale Line Station & Capacity Imps Strategic Bus & Rail Links to Regional Improve selective strategic links. Calder Valley Line capacity increases - (Stage 3) - including new bay platform Centre Manchester Hub Study outcomes. at Rochdale Station BOROUGH Calder Valley Line Electrification with Strategic Bus & Rail Links to Regional Improve selective strategic links. Calder Valley Line capacity increases. Network new Rolling Stock Centre Rail / DfT Electrification Proposals.
Slattocks, New Railway Station Enhanced PT links to Key Employment Provide High Quality PT System Study into feasibility of a new station halt at
TRANSPORT Feasibility Study Areas Slattocks.
Metrolink
Kingsway Metrolink Stop Metrolink extension to Kingsway Reduce the Demand for Travel Stop to serve Kingsway business park. Part of Business Pk Phase 3A mainly from S106. STRA Metrolink - Phase 3B (Rochdale Rail Metrolink extension to Rochdale Town Provide High Quality PT System Extend Metrolink from Rochdale Railway Station Station-Town Centre) Centre to Town Centre (GMTF) TEGY Metrolink Extension of Bury Line to Town centre access by choice of travel Provide High Quality PT System Feasibility study into extending Metrolink from 35
, Middleton (Study) modes Bowker Vale to Middleton. JUNE Metrolink Extension (Rochdale to Improved PT links to employment areas Provide High Quality PT System Feasibility study into extending Metrolink to
2010 strategy the to proposals transport linking Six ROCHDALE Six linking transport proposals to the strategy 36
Proposals Vision Scheme Description
BOROUGH Aim Objective
Whitworth) (Study) Whitworth.
Improved PT services (Rochdale to Improved PT links to employment areas Provide High Quality PT System Feasibility study into improving public transport
TRANSPORT Littleborough (Study) services to Littleborough to address A58 congestion.
Highway
Rochdale Town Centre Transport Accessible Town Centres by a choice Provide High Quality PT System Assessment of the traffic impact of town centre
STRA Modelling (ongoing) of modes redevelopment
Retaining Wall Strengthening Major Well maintained roads with fewer Maximise use of existing transport Strengthening weak structures that threaten public TEGY Scheme casualties. network. safety.
, Hopwood Traffic Management Scheme Less impact of HGV's in Heywood Better safety. Reduce Vulnerable Measures to reduce HGV intrusion of HGV's in JUNE Road User / vehicle conflict Heywood residential areas.
2010 Heywood Traffic Management Scheme Less impact of HGV's in Heywood Better safety. Reduce VRU / vehicle Measures to reduce shopper / traffic conflicts in conflict Heywood Town centre.
Milnrow Network Improvements (J21 Less delay, Better journey reliability & Improve selective strategic links to Measures to address peak time delays in Milnrow M62) air quality SRN to M62 J21.
A58 Capacity Improvements
(i) Littleborough to Hamer Less delay, Better journey reliability & Improve selective strategic links to Congestion Relief Measures on A58 to improve air quality SRN journey reliability.
(ii) Heywood Improvements Less delay, Better journey reliability & Improve selective strategic links to Congestion Relief Measures on A58 to improve air quality SRN journey reliability.
(iii) Heap Bridge Improvements Less delay, Better journey reliability & Improve selective strategic links to Congestion Relief Measures on A58 to improve air quality SRN journey reliability.
Heywood Southern Relief Road to M62 Reduce impact of HGV's in Heywood Improve selective strategic links to Extend Hareshill Road to M62 J19. Proposed LDF J19 SRN development growth area.
Hareshill Road Route Improvements. Less impact of HGV's in Heywood Improve selective strategic links to Improve Hareshill Road to accommodate SRN commercial vehicles generated by development Proposals Vision Scheme Description
Aim Objective
land to the north.
Rochdale Town Centre Inner Relief Town centre access by choice of travel Remove traffic from sensitive areas Improve existing Molesworth Street. New link Road (Molesworth Street to Drake St) modes. between Molesworth St & Drake St.
Rochdale Town Centre Traffic Town Centre Access by choice of travel Remove traffic from sensitive areas Traffic management & pedestrianisation to Management modes enhance shopping environment.
New Access to Sparth Bottom Sustainable access to regeneration and Focus Improvements to Feasibility study of new access to assist Sparth development areas accommodate development Growth Bottom Regeneration. areas
Royle Works / Edinburgh Way Junction Sustainable access to regeneration and Focus improvements to Junction improvement to improve access to Improvement development areas accommodate development Growth regeneration area. areas ROCHDALE
Hollingworth Lake Corridor Less delay, Better journey reliability & Remove traffic from sensitive areas Enhance access to Hollingworth Lake to exploit Improvements air quality leisure / tourism potential.
Freight Issues BOROUGH Heywood Weight Restriction Less impact of HGV's in Heywood Remove traffic from sensitive areas Restrict HGV's in Heywood Town Centre to deliveries and access.
Development of Heywood Freight Less impact of HGV's in Heywood Better safety. Reduce VRU / vehicle Group to address local impact of commercial
TRANSPORT Quality Partnership conflict traffic. Develop & implement solutions.
Middleton Experimental Weight Less impact of HGV's in Middleton Remove traffic from sensitive areas Restrict HGV's in Middleton - Motorway diversion Restriction route.
Heywood Railfreight Interchange Encourage more goods movement by Remove traffic from sensitive and Provide rail freight option to transport goods to /
STRA rail rather than road. congested routes. from commercial areas south of Heywood using ELR.
TEGY Managing Demand for Travel 37
, Rochdale Town Centre Car Parking Accessible Town Centres by a choice Focus improvements to access Update Car parking strategy. Implement as part JUNE Strategy of modes development growth areas of Re-development.
2010 strategy the to proposals transport linking Six ROCHDALE Six linking transport proposals to the strategy 38
Proposals Vision Scheme Description
BOROUGH Aim Objective
Develop Rochdale Borough Parking Accessible Town Centres by a choice Focus improvements to access Prepare Borough-wide Car Parking strategy Strategy of modes development growth areas
TRANSPORT Develop and Promote Council home More residents using sustainable travel Reduce demand for travel Prepare/Implement home working Strategy. Use working Strategy modes as Best Practice.
High speed Broadband Coverage in High Specification, Intelligent IT Reduce demand for travel Work with partners to improve transport of Rochdale Borough Network information. STRA TEGY , JUNE 2010 39 Six Kingsway preliminary earthworks (Photo courtesy of Kingsway Partnership) linking transport proposals
Impact of the Action Plan on Travel in the Borough to the The action plan links to the vision and objectives. Proposals will by 2026, reduce peak time congestion by offering sustainable alternatives to car travel, providing a choice of competitive sustainable alternatives to strategy car travel. These will offer wider health benefits and contribute positively to tackle poor air quality and CO2 levels. Bus, light and heavy rail services will be transformed with better network and passenger travel experiences, interchanges real time information and modern, efficient through ticketing and payment methods (GM wide initiatives).
Through provision of strategic walking and cycling initiatives, a culture of behavioural change in travel will dominate. Schools, businesses and developers working more closely with transport bodies will limit future increases in motorised traffic, network capacity will be protected and journey time reliability and safety levels maintained to the benefit of the local economy.
Continuous improvement of the public transport network will enhance capacity, service frequency and quality, journey times and reliability both on the bus network and Calder Valley Railway Line. New transport interchanges will improve passenger access, experience and ease of transition between travel modes. A new Rochdale Public Transport Interchange with the provision of Metrolink will link Rochdale Town Centre to other main urban centres across Greater Manchester. Extra carriages and platform extensions where required on the heavy rail network will increase service capacity particularly at peak times. Initially this will be through delivery of Network Rail’s Route Utilisation Strategies (RUS) and HLOS (High Level Output Specification) requirements, with the Northern Hub initiative potentially bringing longer-term step change increases in rail network capacity along with electrification of the Calder Valley Rail Line.
Railway station improvements and increases in park and ride capacity will be delivered through specific schemes or as part of larger regeneration projects. There will be enhancements to bus services accessing employment areas, hospitals, health centres, schools, colleges, shops, community services, and railway and Metrolink stations. There will be increased evening and Sunday bus service frequency, in urban areas to and from the regional centre and new orbital services across Greater Manchester.
Opportunities to develop the public transport network will link East Lancashire Railway to the Calder Valley Line and potentially enhance rail services in the borough through the reinstatement of Todmorden Curve. Existing line capacity provided through the Northern Hub Study proposals including the provision of a new bay platform at Rochdale Railway Station will accommodate these additional services contributing to a step capacity increase on the Calder Valley Railway Line.
A strategic walking and cycle network will link the borough’s towns to each other and to neighbouring centres
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 40
as well as the wider national walking and cycle network. The backbone of this is the Connect 2 proposals led by Sustrans with Rochdale Council and a range of other partners. This work will be continued by the deliver of a Green Network so that most households will be within 800 metres of a strategic cycle route. Finance allocations from GMLTP3 and third party contributions will strengthen the initial proposals, with complementary local links to employment, training, education opportunities and other local community facilities strategy and amenities.
There will be improvements to school travel, safety and security by reducing travel by car, expansion of the Yellow Bus schemes beyond the two services and one school in the Borough at present. Schools are already
to required to produce travel plans while developers for major commercial and residential proposals will be increasingly required to do so, to mitigate the impact of their developments and make a proactive contribution to prioritising sustainable travel provision.
Measures to address bottlenecks, maintain the operation, structural integrity and safety of the highway network will continue. Increasingly intelligent traffic control and signalling systems will assist smoother operation of the highway network, promoting more patient and considerate driver behaviour and reducing
proposals traffic emissions. Measures building on the Borough’s good performance in addressing accidents will continue, as will repairs and carriageway and structure strengthening works when required. Selective highway infrastructure improvements will address specific development impacts and developers, as the predominant beneficiaries be expected to finance or contribute significantly to these. They will also be expected to provide supportive measures to protect adjacent sensitive and residential areas from unwanted traffic they generate.
Table 1 also includes longer-term aspirational projects that require further investigation into their feasibility transport and deliverability to support strong business cases. Rochdale MBC will concentrate on progressing these schemes to a position where a decision on their justification can be made, based on strong evidence in order to attract funding before including them in any action plan. linking Six
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 41 Seven 7 Resourcing the Strategy
This strategy will require considerable resources given the cost of the schemes, particularly provision of public transport infrastructure. It is a challenge to deliver this strategy, given short and medium term restraint likely on public expenditure, but this strategy will place the Borough in a stronger position in having a long resourcing term action plan linked to local economic, environmental and social objectives with which to compete for transport and regeneration funding. Implementation of much of action plan will be through minor projects, but securing major scheme funding is key to making a real impact and delivering noticeable regeneration and environmental benefits and meet transport targets and objectives. A range of potential funding sources exist and these are outlined as follows.
Local Transport Plan (LTP) the
This key source of capital transport investment provided a 2009/10 allocation for Rochdale Borough of £4.257 million, split between £1.906 million for Integrated Transport and £2.351 million for Maintenance schemes. strategy
The 2010/11 LTP block allocations awarded to Rochdale MBC is also £4.725 million (£2.021 million for Integrated Transport and £ 2.704 million for Maintenance).
The current Greater Manchester LTP covers the period 2006/07 to 2010/11 with the 2008 LTP Progress Report detailing performance in delivering the sub-region’s transport agenda to that date. Formulation and development of transport policies and the initial 3 year implementation plan for GMLTP3 is underway It is anticipated that the GMLTP3 Strategy will cover the period 2011/2012 to 2024/2025 with a series of three year Implementation Plans running from 2011/2012 to 2013/2014.
Regional Funding Allocations
Regional Funding Allocation (RFA) covers the whole of the North West Region and details the programme of funding for major schemes (ie those costing £5 million or more). It has recently become part of a Single Regional Funding Allocation also including housing and regeneration schemes. The RFA budget is limited, and there are significantly more schemes than there is financial allocation to fund them. The process for funding major infrastructure projects is competitive and new schemes are assessed against existing proposals already in the RFA. Currently the following schemes in the North West's RFA that include proposals in Rochdale Borough are :
Metrolink Extension Phase 3A (including Manchester to Rochdale via Oldham) (in progress); GM Highway Retaining Walls Maintenance (in progress); Greater Manchester Urban Traffic Control Upgrade (in progress); Rochdale PT Interchange (2009/2010); and Yellow School Buses (2015/16).
Greater Manchester Transport Fund
Following the inability to obtain local business and public support for the TIF bid in December 2008, the introduction of the Greater Manchester Transport Fund has resulted in potentially significant transport investment allocated for schemes in the borough. The schemes in Rochdale Borough that have been included in the GM Transport Fund programme are also in this Transport Strategy Action Plan and included in Table 2 in Chapter 9 of this document.
Regeneration Funding
The Council and its partners to assembled and is developing Kingsway Business Park with regeneration finance from the North West Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and Rochdale Public Transport Interchange site using Single Regeneration Budget (SRB). It is expected that this will continue to be a source of finance for similar transport infrastructure proposals.
Securing funding from these sources for transport infrastructure is reliant on proposals generating additional
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 42
economic, housing or other regeneration benefits to enhance overall project business case. Justifying schemes on a pure transport and cost / benefit basis without these supporting outcomes will not be successful or achieve the Borough's aspirations in this transport strategy. Potential funding sources include;
North West Development Agency (NEDA) - supported the Kingsway Business Park Spine Road but require
strategy schemes to meet its output priorities.
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) - The 2007-13 programme has limited resources particularly the capital allocations, therefore opportunities to access this will be limited.
Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) - A new organisation that is establishing itself but with a scale of resources and commitment to regeneration that could significantly contribute to transport proposals that are underpinned by regeneration objectives.
Private Funding resourcing Private funding will provide opportunities for transport investment, particularly through the planning system. These will mainly contribute to small scale capital improvements of the transport network, required to ensure that development impacts are mitigated ensuring operational efficiency of the Borough's transport network is maintained. Section 106 planning obligations permit the Council to seek additional contributions for off-site
Seven transport works where generated traffic from development proposals impacts on the wider network. For example, the Tesco Store expansion at Sudden contributing to improving Rochdale Town Centre’s public realm to mitigate any potential impact on the town centre economy. The Council will be robustly pursue opportunities to secure such contributions.
In the future, the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) may form a more systematic approach to securing developer contributions. Draft guidance is emerging on how the levy will operate.
Securing funding and third party contributions will be vital in successfully delivering this transport strategy. Business cases for larger schemes will be stronger if private sector / Section 106 or regeneration finance can be secured to support public funding bids. Improvements to the local highway network proposed in this strategy are related to development and therefore will be reliant on these funding sources to be delivered.
Kingsway spine road under construction (Photo courtesy of Kingsway Partnership)
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 43 Eight 8 Implementing the Strategy
This transport strategy is a working document adopted, referenced and used by range of partners who will be responsible for its implementation. It requires "buy in" from a range of strategic partners and agencies implementing including:
Pride of Place - Rochdale Local Strategic Partnership; Impact Partnership; Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE); Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA); Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA); Rochdale Borough Transport Group; Heywood, Middleton, Pennine and Rochdale Townships; the Rochdale Development Agency;
Local Chambers of Trade and Commerce; strategy NHS Rochdale, Heywood and Middleton PCT; Greater Manchester Police; Greater Manchester Fire Service; Network Rail; Rail and Bus Operating Companies; East Lancs Railway Trust; Sustrans; Support the Oldham, Rochdale, Manchester Railway Line Group (STORM) and other transport interest and lobby groups.
The consultation process has secured this with some of these organisations if not unanimous endorsement of all the policies and scheme aspirations in the strategy. The process of engagement has resulted in all views have been considered. Many have influenced the document content and have been included where they strengthen and add value to the strategy. There are policy areas where there are conflicting views and judgements have been made on whether to include or omit them.
Transport has a wide-ranging impact and users of the network have many, varied, conflicting and vociferous views for example on user priority and how the network will be improved. At the strategic level, monitoring and updating of this document will be through a variety of agencies reflecting the range of stakeholders. Figure 1 below illustrates where transport influences the Local Strategic Partnership structures.
Figure 2 Rochdale Borough Council Strategic Partnership (LSP) Structure
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 44
Stakeholders
Figure 2 shows the formal reporting process on transport matters to the Local Strategic Partnership Board through the Economic Partnership. Transport issues link to all of the other Partnerships and the Transport Delivery Group is developing a reporting / monitoring process to ensure this. An understanding is required strategy to recognise the benefits, transport improvements contribute to the wider aims of the Partnership Boards and the LSP and the opportunities that can be exploited to achieve them. the Implementation of the Transport Strategy is through a number of agencies including:
Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council; Impact Partnership (as Council’s Engineering Service); Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA) or future GM Transport Governance Body; Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE); Regeneration Initiatives e.g. through Rochdale Development Agency (RDA), Housing Market Renewal (HMR); Strategic Partners e.g. Network Rail, Northern Way, 4NW, North West Regional Development Agency; implementing and Private Sector including Bus, Rail and Taxi Operators, Private Developers, Voluntary and Third Sector Organisations, East Lancs Railway Trust, Community Transport Operators. Eight The views of all the organisations responsible for delivering transport across the Borough requires a single body to bring their interests together. The Council’s Transport Delivery Group will provide this. There will be ongoing opportunities for transport operators and users to engage with deliverers of transport services through the Rochdale Borough Transport Group which meets quarterly. Consideration is being given to creating a co-ordination group bringing key transport providers together with the Council as partners in delivering the transport strategy. This will comprise representation from;
Impact Partnership; Regeneration Service; Planning and Regulation Service; GMITA / GMPTE; and Rochdale Development Agency.
The Group will have a tightly focused remit monitoring the implementation of the strategy, producing regular update reports for the Quality of Place and Economic Boards (up to 4 times a year).
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 9 Key Action Plan Proposals
The table below lists the proposals that form Rochdale Borough’s Transport Strategy identified in Chapter 6. It details an estimated delivery timescale for each scheme with the Short Term (2010-2016), Medium Term (2016-2021) and Long Term (2021-2026) horizons. The table also indicates the potential lead delivery agencies and potential funding sources. Already committed funding is also identified. These proposals are a mix of packages, individual major capital schemes, large revenue schemes or proposed feasibility studies. All are deliverable by 2026, the period of this strategy subject to positive decisions from partner agencies and funding decisions.
To this end the short term proposals will inform the three year (2011-2014) LTP3 implementation programme, with the medium and longer term proposals informing the GMLTP3 programme, Regional Funding Allocations and GM Transport Fund programmes.
Table 6 Key Projects Action Plan
Project Priority Lead Organisation Estimated Cost Possible Funding Sources
Rochdale Town Centre
ROCHDALE Rochdale Town Centre Inner Relief Road Medium Term RMBC / Impact £4-8 million LTP / RFA / HCA / S106 (Wood St to Drake St)
The Esplanade, Town Hall Square, South Long Term RMBC / Impact £4 million LTP/HCA/NWDA/S106 Parade Pedestrianisation.
BOROUGH Rochdale Town Centre Parking Strategy Medium Term Impact £6 million LTP / Private
Rochdale Town Centre Traffic Management Long Term Town Centre Executive £1-3 million LTP / S106 Strategy
TRANSPORT East Lancashire Railway
Upgrade Line to carry Public Rail Services Medium Term East Lancs Rail Trust / £25 million RFA / HCA / NWDA / S106 / External GMPTE Partners
New Station at Broadfield, Heywood Long Term East Lancs Rail Trust / £4 million GMITA/PTE / S106 / Private
STRA GMPTE
TEGY Improved Park & Ride at Castleton Railway Long Term East Lancs Rail Trust / £6 million GMITA/PTE /HCA / NWDA / External Station Network Rail / GMPTE Partners / Network Rail 45 ,
JUNE Heywood Station Improvements Medium Term East Lancs Rail Trust / RMBC £2 million ELR Trust / NWDA
2010 proposals plan action key Nine ROCHDALE Nine key action plan proposals 46
Project Priority Lead Organisation Estimated Cost Possible Funding Sources
BOROUGH M62 Junction 19 Link Road
Heywood Hareshill Road Extension to M62 J19 Medium Term Private Sector £6 million External Partners / NWDA / S106
Hareshill Road Realignment Medium Term Private Sector £2 million External Partners / NWDA / S106 TRANSPORT Hopwood Traffic Management Scheme Medium Term RMBC / Impact £1 million LTP
Heywood Town Centre Traffic Management Medium Term RMBC / Impact / Private £1 million LTP / S106 / External Partners Scheme Sector
STRA Calder Valley Line Capacity Upgrade
Rochdale Station Improvement including Park Short Term Network Rail / GMPTE £1 million GMITA/GMPTE/Network Rail. TEGY & Ride
, Littleborough Park & Ride Medium Term Network Rail / GMPTE £4 million GMITA / Network Rail JUNE
Feasibility Study - Slattocks Railway Station Medium Term Network Rail / LTP / HMR / £50 000 feasibility. £6 GMITA/PTE / LTP
2010 PTS million
Mills Hill and Smithy Bridge Park & Ride Medium Term Network Rail / GMPTE / PTS £2 million GMITA/PTE / LTP
Rolling Stock & Rail Capacity Improvements Medium Term Network Rail / Northern Rail Not known HLOS / Network Rail / RFA / PTE
Northern Hub Proposals (including new bay Long Term Network Rail / Northern Way Not known Network Rail / RFA / GMITA / External platform Rochdale Station) / GMPTE Partners
Calder Valley Line Electrification Long Term Network Rail / Rail Operating Not Known Network Rail / DfT / GMITA / External Company Partners
Metrolink
Kingsway Metrolink Stop Short Term GMITA/PTE / LTP £2 million GMITA / LTP / S106 / External Partners
Metrolink Phase 3B Rochdale Railway Short Term GMITA/PTE / LTP £35 million GMITA/PTE / LTP / RFA / GM Station-Town Centre Transport Fund
Bus Improvements Project Priority Lead Organisation Estimated Cost Possible Funding Sources
Rochdale PT Interchange Short Term GMITA / RFA / RMBC £10 million GMITA / RFA / LTP / NWDA (Funding Committed)
Rochdale Town Centre Metroshuttle Short Term GMITA/PTE/ RMBC £140 000 - £400 000 GMPTE / RMBC / External Partners
Heywood Town Centre Interchange & Bus Short Term GMITA / GMPTE / RMBC £300 000 GMPTE / RMBC / External Partners Route Improvements
Cross City Bus Services to Middleton Short Term (funding GMITA / GMPTE Not Known GMPTE/ committed) GM Transport Fund
Cross Borough Bus Services Short Term GMITA / GMPTE Not Known GMPTE / S106 / HCA / NWDA
A58 & A640 Quality Bus Corridors Medium Term GMITA / GMPTE Not Known GMPTE / LTP.
Yellow School Buses Short Term GMITA / GMPTE Not Known GMPTE / LTP.
ROCHDALE Other Sustainable Transport Schemes
Connect 2 Cycle Network Short Term Sustrans / RMBC £1.4 million Big Lottery Fund / LTP / External Partners
BOROUGH Walking & Cycling Access to Metrolink Stops Short Term RMBC / GMITA / GMPTE Not Known LTP / GMPTE
Develop Borough Walking & Cycling Strategies Short Term RMBC / Impact - RMBC
Rochdale Canal Cycleway Medium Term RMBC Not Known RMBC TRANSPORT Urban Cycle Routes Medium Term RMBC Not Known HMR / LTP / S106 / NWDA
Develop Green Networks (including links to Medium Term RMBC Not Known LTP / HMR / S106 / External Partners Rossendale) (follows Connect 2)
Middleton, Long St / Manchester Rd Long Term RMBC Not Known RMBC / LTP / External Partners STRA Pedestrianisation
TEGY Home & School Zone Programme Medium Term RMBC Not Known RMBC / LTP / NWDA / External Partners 47 ,
JUNE Boroughwide Replacement of Underpasses Medium Term RMBC Not Known RMBC / LTP / S106 with surface Crossings
2010 proposals plan action key Nine ROCHDALE Nine key action plan proposals 48
Project Priority Lead Organisation Estimated Cost Possible Funding Sources
BOROUGH Develop Council Homeworking Strategy & Medium Term RMBC - RMBC promote to external partners
Other Highway Schemes
TRANSPORT Retaining Wall Strengthening Major Scheme Short Term GM LA's £42.9 million (All GM) RFA / LTP Major Scheme
Milnrow Network Improvements (M62 J21) Short Term HA / RMBC Not known HA / LTP / External Partners
A58 Capacity Improvements
STRA (i) Littleborough to Hamer Medium Term RMBC £1 million RMBC / LTP / S106
(ii) Heywood Improvements Medium Term RMBC Not Known RMBC / LTP / S106 / HMR TEGY
(iii) Heap Bridge Improvements Medium Term RMBC Not Known RMBC / LTP / S106 / HMR , JUNE Freight Issues
2010 Heywood Weight Restriction Short Term RMBC - RMBC
Develop Heywood Freight Quality Partnership Short Term RMBC / External Partners - RMBC / External Partners
Middleton Experimental Weight Restriction Short Term RMBC / HA - RMBC / HA
Heywood Railfreight Interchange Long Term RMBC Not Known RMBC / External Partners
Feasibility Studies
New Access to Sparth Bottom Medium Term RMBC Not Known RMBC / S106 / HCA / External Partners
Royle Wks/ Edinburgh Way Junctn Short Term RMBC Not Known RMBC / S106 / HCA / External Improvement Partners
Hollingworth Lake Corridor Improvements Medium Term RMBC Not Known RMBC / S106 / External Partners
Rochdale Town Centre Transport Modelling Short Term RDA Not Known RMBC / HCA / External Partners
Rochdale Borough Parking Strategy Short Term RMBC Not Known RMBC / External Partners Project Priority Lead Organisation Estimated Cost Possible Funding Sources
Metrolink Extension of Bury Line to Middleton Long Term GMITA / RMBC Not Known RMBC / GMITA / External Partners
Metrolink Extension (Rochdale to Whitworth) Long Term GMITA / RMBC Not Known RMBC / GMITA / External Partners
Enhanced Public Transport Services (Rochdale Long Term GMITA / RMBC Not Known RMBC / GMITA / External Partners to Littleborough) ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRA TEGY 49 , JUNE
2010 proposals plan action key Nine 50
Longer Term Aspirations
The opportunity has been taken to consider what major projects the Borough may need in the medium to long term i.e. post 2026. Tables 1 and 2 includes some feasibility studies into aspirational projects, which if resources permit will be undertaken within the period of the Transport Strategy. Routes and available land will as far as practicable be protected using land ownership or planning policies. proposals plan action key Nine
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 Figure 3 Rochdale Borough Proposed Transport Network ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRA TEGY 51 , JUNE
2010 proposals plan action key Nine 52 proposals plan action key Nine
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 53 One Appendix 1 Current Transport Investment Plans
Network Efficiency current
As part of the LTP process, there is ongoing monitoring of identified congestion corridors across Greater Manchester. This includes a 3.4 mile section of the A58, between A6033 Todmorden Road east of Littleborough and A671 John Street, Rochdale, a key commuter route connecting Littleborough and Wardle to Rochdale
town centre and the motorway network to the south. transport
Between 2006 and 2008 disruption due to improvement work at the key junctions on the route particularly Sudden and Townhead affected journey reliability. These works have contributed to reducing congestion and improving journey times for all modes, including pedestrian and cyclists. Other minor improvements at the junction with Smithy Bridge Road have also contributed.
Reconfiguration of primary care and NHS services has led to some service provision at Birch Hill Hospital investment moving to Rochdale Infirmary. Engagement with the PCT will lead to implementing improved accessibility measures in locations where new services will be provided. Civil parking enforcement takes place through a rolling programme across Rochdale Borough, specifically along the A58 between Rochdale and Littleborough further improving traffic flow and journey reliability. New facilities at junctions along and adjacent to the A58 have enhanced pedestrian and cyclist safety.
The A58 recorded a journey time of 4.04 minutes in 2006/07, a reduction of 0.29 minutes from 2005/06. There has been little change in speed despite this journey time decrease, indicating a reduction in delays plans particularly between Wardle and Littleborough. There will be further work to accommodate potential increases in travel demand from Kingsway Business Park and other development growth areas proposed in the LDF. Supported by continued civil parking enforcement and school clearway orders, this will assist in tackling local congestion and improving access and safety near schools.
Road Safety
Road Safety Targets - Progress in meeting national and GM road safety targets is on track. Rochdale MBC is achieving above the GM LTP2 target at the mid point with a:
31% reduction in killed and seriously injured (KSI) casualties by 2006-08 compared to 1994-98 base; 64% reduction in child KSI casualties by 2006-08 compared to the1994-98 base; 42% reduction in pedestrian casualties in 2008; 53% reduction in pedal cycle casualties in 2008; and Slight casualties in 2008 were 15% below the 2010 GMLTP2 target and 41% below the 1994-96 baseline average.
These trends reflect the structured approach Rochdale MBC has taken in developing the Local Safety Schemes (LSS), underpinned by ongoing best practice reviews, part of an ISO endorsed Quality Management System. This has ensured consistency in assessing and identifying remedial measures. A number of local safety schemes at sites where vulnerable road users are at risk have evolved. These contribute to the GMLTP2 headline targets for accessibility and modal shift.
Local Safety Scheme (LSS) - Road Traffic Collision and Casualty rates provide the base evidence to justify LSS improvements. Recently, area wide and route improvements have achieved desired reductions and casualty reduction at junctions. Rochdale Town Centre redevelopment proposals incorporating a new transport interchange and Metrolink provision will reduce pedestrian casualties currently identified in retail and residential areas of the town. Priority areas include:
St Mary’s Gate; Drake Street; College Road; and Manchester Road.
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 54
The Council has achieved safety improvements through installation of interactive and solar powered signs across the borough at key points on the network. These also support an ongoing Council commitment to reduce energy consumption. Provision of speed camera signs and mobile speed camera sites have raised
plans awareness, reduce vehicle speed and encouraged more environmentally sustainable driving behaviour.
Education, Training and Publicity - The Road Safety Unit provides Primary Schools with specifically designed education and training programmes. These emphasise the skills required for safer independent travel, and assists in reducing car journeys to school. The programmes include National Standard Level 2 cycle training aimed at Year 6 pupils, with a range of innovative and interactive road safety programmes in High Schools, to address local safety including car related crime issues.
investment Sustainable Travel
Safer Routes To Schools - Safer sustainable travel to school schemes continue, supporting the introduction of ‘School Zones’ outside schools not currently in 20mph zones. These raise driver awareness through mandatory 20mph speed limits or by installing high visibility signing and road marking.
Walking and Cycling for Metrolink - There has been an initial review of routes to support walking and cycle transport activity for the Metrolink Phase 3A stops, and future infrastructure improvements will provide an enhanced environment for vulnerable road users in line with GM best practice and design guides.
Connect 2 - This is an ongoing programme of cycling improvements to develop a coherent strategic cycle network. It started in 2008 and will be completed in 2012 and is being implemented through a partnership current between the Council, Sustrans, British Waterways and other partners. It is anticipated that following on from this a Green Network programme will continue the development of the network. One
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 55 T
Appendix 2 Contacts wo
Peter Rowlinson - Service Director Planning and Regulation, contacts Rochdale Borough Council, Floor 1 Telegraph House, Baillie Street, ROCHDALE, OL16 1JH. Tel: (01706) - 924307 Email :- [email protected]
John Cheetham - Highways and Transportation Director, Highways and Engineering Services, Floor 3, Municipal Offices, Smith Street, ROCHDALE, OL16 1LQ. Tel: (01706) - 924575 Email :- [email protected]
Tim Wood - Policy and Strategy Manager, Highways and Engineering Services, Floor 3 Municipal Offices, Smith Street, ROCHDALE, OL16 1LQ. Tel: (01706) - 924592 Email :- [email protected]
Lisa Houghton - Network Improvement Team Leader, Highways and Engineering Services, Municipal Offices, Smith Street, ROCHDALE, OL16 1LQ. Tel: (01706) - 924609. Email :- [email protected]
Richard Chapman - Strategic Transport Policy Co-ordinator, Planning and Regulation Service, Floor 2, Telegraph House, Baillie Street, ROCHDALE, OL16 1JH. Tel: (01706) - 924361. Email:- [email protected]
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 56 contacts wo T
ROCHDALE BOROUGH TRANSPORT STRATEGY, JUNE 2010 Peter Rowlinson John Cheetham Service Director for Planning and Regulation Highways and Transportation Director - Impact Partnership Enquiries: please contact:- Strategic Planning Service Email: [email protected] Tel: (01706) 924361
Strategic Planning Team Network Development Team Planning and Regulation Service Impact Partnership Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council Floor 3, Municipal Offices PO Box 32 Smith Street Telegraph House Rochdale Baillie Street OL16 1LQ Rochdale OL16 1JH Email: [email protected]