Background
Kent County Council (KCC) commissioned Project Centre to produce preliminary design and a detailed design for a new roundabout at Hammond’s Corner. The Council conducted a prior safety study of the existing Hammond’s Corner T-junctions. This indicated numerous cluster collisions and risk hazards.
The Hammond’s Corner is also an incredibly important junction for residents and visitors in Kent, as it is a delivery route for abnormal load vehicles carrying wind turbines, provide access to villages as well as access to the rural and agricultural land.
Process
Our multidisciplinary team provided services in civil engineering, traffic engineering and modelling, flood risk and water management, structural design, landscaping and lighting design, to deliver a new and safer roundabout. We included a few elements in our design proposals, which included:
- Replacing the existing t-junction with a new roundabout
- Changing the existing speed limit to 30mph, making the junction safer for vehicles and pedestrians
- Provisioning a pedestrian footway and safer island crossing points
- as well as tactile paving units for disabled and older road users
- Installing new planting, trees and shrubs, making the roundabout more attractive
- Provisioning attenuation ponds, new lighting columns and illuminated traffic signs
Outcome
During the design phase, our multidisciplinary team realised that the size and position of the roundabout were restricted by the existing private houses and by an existing bridge culvert structure. We worked collaboratively with residents and stakeholders to relocate the private property access and widen the bridge culvert structure.
Our constant communication with Kent County Council ensured we could plan solutions and changes in time and within budget. The new T-junction design reflects a safer and more attractive environment for all road users.
KCC’s Schemes Project Manager, Darren Hickman, commented: “Project Centre demonstrated good communication, keeping us informed of the project’s progress with monthly meetings, regular emails and telephone correspondence. We are very pleased with the professional attitude and expertise of all the staff”.
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