DATA LABEL: PUBLIC

FAULDHOUSE AND VALLEY LOCAL AREA COMMITTEE

NETWORK RAIL CLOSURE OF A71, WEST CALDER

REPORT BY HEAD OF OPERATIONAL SERVICES

A. PURPOSE OF REPORT

The purpose of the report is to provide information and allow the opportunity to discuss the forthcoming closure of the A71 directly with Network Rail.

B. RECOMMENDATION

The committee is requested to note the information provided in this report.

C. SUMMARY OF IMPLICATIONS

I Council Values Focusing on our customers' needs; and

Being honest, open and accountable.

II Policy and Legal (including Policy: None. Strategic Environmental Assessment, Equality Legal: None. Issues, Health or Risk Assessment)

III Implications for Scheme of None. Delegations to Officers

IV Impact on performance and None performance Indicators

V Relevance to Single None. Outcome Agreement

VI Resources - (Financial, None. Staffing and Property)

VII Consideration at PDSP None.

VIII Other consultations Police has been consulted on the detailed traffic management plan.

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D Terms of Report

D1 Background

Network Rail has now started enabling works preparing for the replacement of the rail bridge on the A71 adjacent to the station in West Calder. This is part of wider work on the line ahead of the electrification of the route by 2019. This project is part of a Scottish Government programme of electrification which is being delivered by Network Rail. Network Rail and its contractor Bam Nuttall have now submitted an application to the council for the closure of the A71 to facilitate the construction works.

D2 Timetable

Network Rail’s timetable is below:

 Full A71 road closure for bridge reconstruction works - 05/01/2017 to 25/04/2017  Temporary two-way traffic lights in operation - 25/04/2017 to 12/05/2017  A71 road closure for removal of temporary bridge and completion of surfacing works - 12/05/2017 to 15/05/2017  A71 fully open road to public - 16/05/2017

Given the nature of the works and the possibility of winter weather conditions, it is possible that Network Rail will seek to extend that period beyond the dates noted above.

D3 Traffic Management Plan

The nature of the closure is such that significant traffic disruption is likely and a diversion route and series of traffic management measures on surrounding roads has been developed with Network Rail and its appointed traffic management contractor. The measures are outlined on the plan in Appendix 1.

A temporary traffic regulation order covering the main closure commencing on 5 January 2017 and associated restrictions has been made and advertised in the local press on 24 November 2016. A further TTRO will be made in due course to cover the closure in May 2017.

D4 Impact on bus services

Bus routes will also be affected by the closure of the bridge. Timetable changes will be required and a diversion will operate. A shuttle bus will connect Polbeth users to the bus routes via the bus stops to the east of the roundabout on the A71 at Brucefield Farm. The details of the timetable changes and shuttle bus operation will be communicated by the providers in advance of the closure.

E. CONCLUSION

Network Rail’s work on the electrification requires the closure of the A71 in West Calder commencing 5 January 2017 for a minimum of 14 weeks. Significant disruption is anticipated and measures have been developed to manage this disruption as best as reasonably possible.

F. BACKGROUND REFERENCES

None.

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Appendices/Attachments: One Appendix 1: A71 Diversion Overview Plan

Contact Person: Jim Jack, Head of Operational Services, 01506 776601, [email protected]

Jim Jack Head of Operational Services 29 November 2016

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