Queen’s Street, Stotfold

Technical approval has been issued on Section 278 works for a site at Queen Street in Stotfold, Bedfordshire. Stomor were commissioned to review historical proposals for the site, and then update the designs to suit the current guidelines and requirements of Central Bedfordshire Council.

The proposals include the introduction of a new mini-roundabout at the Queens Street/Mill Lane/Rook Tree Lane junction – currently an uncontrolled priority junction. The introduction of a mini-roundabout here helps to encourage a more equal flow of traffic from Mill Lane, which currently serves as the joining arm of the priority junction.

A number of alterations and additions are made to the network of footways on the site. The footway at the Queens Street/Mill Lane/Rook Tree Lane junction has been widened in the proposals – taking their width to Central Bedfordshire Council standards and providing safe access for pedestrians. Additional reconfiguration has been proposed at the Queens Street/Baldock Road junction, once again improving access for pedestrians. Lastly, a new footpath has been proposed on what was formerly a grass verge along sections of Queens Street – proposals which provide more choice for pedestrians when navigating the site, and reduces the need for informal crossings away from crossing points.

Two new uncontrolled crossing points are proposed at Queens Street – one at each of its northern and southern ends. These uncontrolled crossing points promote additional caution from vehicle users when approaching junctions and provide greater safety for the pedestrians using the footway network.A pre-existing bus stop is to be relocated as part of the proposals – allowing for the introduction of new road markings and kassel kerbs to provide safer access for bus users, and greater caution from road users when approaching the stop.

Lastly, a speed control ramp is proposed for the junction between Queen Street and Baldock Road – speed control ramps are an effective way of controlling speeding in areas where this is a common issue, ensuring safety for pedestrians.

Throughout the Section 278 works at Queen Street, Stomor has utilised an expansive knowledge and understanding of design standards to produce effective and agreeable alterations to road and footway design.