Agenda item

JW tabled the minutes of the comms meeting held in June with Highways England, their designers and their community liaison team and the presentation circulated to all local authorities involved. JW explained the characteristics of the SMART motorway and that this will require that all the bridges along the route will need to be replaced to allow the motorway to be widened. 

A plan of action is being put together by HE and their partners to engage with residents and motorists towards the end of this year.  Some engagement has happened with parish council’s already though not in Slough.  It was suggested that LAF’s could be included at the same time as parish councils.   Work is planned to start on the ground around the end of 2017 start of 2018.

Online bridge replacements are generally happening for bridges where there isn’t any major vehicular use.  These are; Oldway Lane (bridleway), Old Slade Lane (Footpath), Recreation bridge,

There is an independent auditor of the bridge designs who is ensuring the designs are robust/safe.  Members discussed their concerns about smart motorways.  DM felt that their safety is questionable with people being asked to adapt to changing lanes unexpectedly and taking note of red crosses warning that a lane is blocked.  However, the government has accepted the safety of the smart motorway model with schemes being rolled out on sections of motorway across the country.

Footpath 9 crosses the Langley Interchange roundabout through the subway and over the footbridges.  This subway will be widened with new structures on a like for like basis.  JW confirmed that the maintenance of the subway tunnel lies with Highways England who only have an ad hoc maintenance regime through a contractor.  TH mentioned graffiti in the subway which is not a removed by HE casting the Council in a bad light.

An alternative route will be provided with details to be provided shortly.

Resolved – JW would circulate the presentation to members and bring further updates to the next meeting.