Roads and Pavements - Markings, Signs and Traffic Calming Measures

The Transportation Projects team is involved in providing a management and consultancy service in project design and scheme implementation for all new works on the public highway.

The key areas include:

• all types of new road design;
• feasibility design and public consultation on proposed schemes;
• design of road safety and junction improvements;
• procurement of contractors through competitive tendering process and supervising construction works;
• design and construction of new road and footpath links including associated urban drainage systems; and
• site specific construction health and safety supervision.

Key Schemes to be Implemented During 2008/09

Livingston Road Network Improvements
Due to continuing development within Livingston town centre, the council undertook study work in 2004 to identify measures to improve access to the town centre for public transport and general traffic.

The study identified a number of network, public transport and broader town centre redevelopment opportunities, which together would seek to ensure that easy town centre access would remain for all transport modes as development continued.

Four key improvements were identified for improvement:

1. Lane widening on the north approach to Terrace Roundabout;
2. Lane widening on the east approach to Howden South Road/Almondvale East;
3. Provision of a new link road connecting Almond Interchange to the B7015; and
4. Conversion of Braehead Roundabout to a traffic signal controlled junction.

70% of the funding for these road improvements has been secured through development contributions.

Improvement work at Terrace Roundabout and Howden South Road/Almondvale East was completed on 18 April 2008, five weeks ahead of programme.

In order to fully assess the implications of the new link road on the surrounding road network, traffic modelling work was undertaken.  A consultant was commissioned to carry out traffic surveys and extensive traffic modelling.  The modelling work identified two key junctions that would require improvement if the link road was to operate efficiently on opening.

1. The B7015 at the junction of Howden South Road and Calder Park Road; and
2. Almond interchange at the junction of Howden East with Almond Road.

Design work to convert the existing Braehead roundabout into a traffic signal controlled junction and the construction of a new Link Road between Almond Interchange and the B7015 is now complete.  The scheme is know being progressed to the construction stage.  Both schemes are to be let under the one contract and will be procured through the external tendering process.  It is anticipated that the construction work will commence in September/October 2008.

Cycling, Walking Safer Streets (CWSS)
The council has been allocated a Scottish Government grant of £909,000 (over three years) to implement improvements under the heading of Cycling, Walking Safer Streets.  On 20 May 2008, the Council Executive approved a programme of schemes.  Assessment and feasibility work has now commenced on this year?s schemes.

Accident Investigation and Prevention (AIP) Casualty Reduction Programme
A programme of casualty reduction measures aimed at preventing/reducing the number of road casualty accidents was also approved by the Council Executive on 20 May.  The AIP programme is funded as part of the council?s ten year investment plan, the budget for AIP schemes is £2.7 million. £156,000 has been allocated for 2008/09.

A71 Linburn Junction, Traffic Signals
In 2007, the council received funding from the Scottish Government to part fund the installation of traffic signals at the Linburn junction on the A71.  The first stage to provide street lighting from the junction to Wilkieston has been completed.  The next stage will provide a traffic signal junction with carriageway widening on the west approach.  It is anticipated that the construction work will commence in September 2008.

A89, East End of Armadale
Following concerns raised by the local community regarding vehicle speeds on the A89 on east approach to Armadale, proposals were drawn up to introduce traffic calming.  The aim of the scheme is to reduce vehicle speeds thereby providing a safer environment for pedestrians and all road users.  In addition to the vertical traffic calming features, the existing speed limit will be extended further east.

Partnership Working
West Lothian Council currently work in partnership with others to improve transport network for buses and cyclists.  These partnerships include:

1. Sustrans (Scotland)
2. South East Scotland Transport Partnership (SESTran)

If you wish to contact us for further details of our current schemes please refer to the Transportation DIRECTory.