Roundabout way to unlock new homes

Keeping traffic moving during road improvement works is a regular test of Motion’s infrastructure design capabilities.  But in one such project in Hampshire, differing levels for a new roundabout layout created additional challenges for the team.

Construction is underway of a roundabout on a busy stretch of the A287, to unlock a residential development in Church Crookham.  The complex project has been supported over a seven-year period by Motion, whose services have included detailed design for the roundabout and associated road widening, drainage and attenuation advice, and site supervision.

Martin Grant Homes is building 300 houses at the prestigious Albany Park site, along with a convenience store, sports pavilion, football pitches and public open spaces.  The development will be served by a new dedicated access, also designed and supported by Motion.  The scheme is close to the Basingstoke Canal and set within 82 acres of woodland, incorporating a Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space (SANG) which will help to conserve wildlife homes and protect nesting birds.

Overcoming design challenges

Richard Stibbs, Head of Planning and Technical at Martin Grant Homes, says, “It has been an exceedingly challenging technical design process to meet the requirements of Hampshire County Council highways department, and obtain approval for the temporary works to enable the roundabout to be constructed whilst keeping two-way traffic flowing.”  He adds, “Motion has been very proactive during our long partnership, dealing with multiple iterations of the design.  The team has also maintained very good relations with the contractor, Buxted, in their ongoing site supervisory role.”

The original site of the planned roundabout was known as an accident blackspot.  The busy route has had to remain open during the roundabout construction, which is due to be completed in late 2022.  According to Motion Associate, Shaun Cregeen, “The junction design was further complicated by a two-metre difference in levels.  Two-way traffic had to be maintained while these were being built up.”  The project has also involved diverting vital utility infrastructure.

This article first appeared in the Winter 2021/22 edition of Insight.