A46 latest

Here's the latest update from Highways via Julie the Ruscombe and Whiteshill Clerk - Use the search facility on this blogsite for previous more detailed posts on A46.

Photo: view of Whiteshill

1. They are still conducting tests on the A46. Once they have results of tests, they can work out a design, then they will have a better idea of timescales. At the moment, it is looking like 6 months before the road is re-opened!!

2. Highways will be considering a request that staff working on the A46 be paid to work weekends in order to speed up the process.

3. All works previously planned are currently on hold (this includes Lower Street). They have a meeting in a couple weeks time to review the works schedule (I have written to see if Puckshole could be included in updated list as that would ease traffic there).

4. They have 60 additional signs going up yesterday to encourage motorists along the proper diversions.

5. They have asked Police to enforce the weight restriction on the Main Road. Highways would like details of any lorries that are breaching the weight limit (ie company name) and they are contacting the companies to stop them using Whiteshill as a cut-through.

6. The coloured surface outside the Whiteshill school is going ahead in the next few days.

Update 30th August - replies on several issues:

1. Reply re need for Puckshole to open: "Agreed, it would be good to get it open, we've met with the Insurers/Loss Adjusters and design work is in hand, they are as keen to progress as much as we are as further slippage could mean a bigger pay-out. The problem remains that the slipped earth is still supporting the ground above, and until the bank is stabilised it would be inadvisable to move it. Unfortunately to undertake the stabilisation work, the road will need to be closed so the work can be carried out safely. It's a similar scenario to the slip on the A46, there appears little going on site, but in the background there is a lot of work being done on the design."

2. Reply re temporary 20 mph speed limit in Whiteshill: "20mph limits, and their effectiveness are currently under review. Even prior to the review, they were not implemented unless there are physical measures to keep the speeds down anyway. I wouldn't consider it to be a practical option in this instance, and would rather concentrate efforts on other measures."

3. Reply re extra 'policing' to be made available at the start of next week when schools return:
"The Police are aware of the problems of extra traffic at Whiteshill and also Wick Street, and are adding extra patrols to the area as resources permit."

4. Citizen report A46 will cost £1m to repair - see here.

Further info promised as soon as it is available.