Work will shortly commence on the A34 interchange at Chilton, with the addition of northern slips allowing southbound traffic to leave, and northbound traffic to access the A34. This work is seen as strategically important for the success of the Harwell Science Park and in turn both the local and national economy.
Subsequently concerns have been raised by residents in Chilton Rd, regarding the potential increase in traffic that this development may bring to Chilton Rd. These concerns are:
- Speed of traffic through the residential section of the road;
- Volume of traffic through the residential section of the road;
- Pedestrian and cyclist safety on what is part of the Sustrans National Cycle Network used by employees at the Harwell Science facilities among others;
- Safety concerns around the Chilton Rd/Hagbourne Hill junction.
Possible options on the table to address these concerns would include:
- Introduction of a chicane requiring traffic heading down into Upton to give way to traffic heading up out of Upton;
- Implementation of a one-way system with traffic allowed uphill only beyond the village limits;
- Road closure beyond the village limits, allowing for pedestrian, horse and cyclist access only.
Each option is explored with its pro’s and con’s.
Option A
This would have the effect of reducing traffic speeds though the residential section of the village while maintaining direct access to Chilton for all road users. However concerns “2” to “4” would not be addressed. As such Option A would seem to address little of the concerns raised.
Option B
Allowing through traffic in the uphill direction would have the benefit of halving the traffic flow that Chilton Rd would otherwise experience. It would also reduce the average speed of the traffic, as it is the downhill traffic that tends to travel the fastest.
This option would also make road space for a dedicated cycle way to be implemented from the village limits to the Hagbourne Hill Junction.
As no traffic could make the right turn from Hagbourne Hill onto Chilton Rd there would be a corresponding reduction in accidents stemming from this manoeuvre. Finally only 50% of journeys that might otherwise use this route would be inconvenienced.
Option B would go a long way to reduce current levels of traffic, regardless of any developments at Chilton. It would also resolve most (not all) of the safety concerns, while presenting a compromise to other road users.
Option C
Total closure of Chilton Rd at the Hagbourne Hill Junction would solve all the traffic issues of concern. However it would come at the cost of inconveniencing those that regularly use this road, adding just under a mile to a daily commute.
Option C clearly addresses all of the perceived problems that the Chilton development may bring. There would also be major benefits to the properties on Chilton Rd, with a Cul-de-sac arrangement greatly improving the amenity of the surroundings, making it would feel more like part of the village. A narrowing of the entrance at Reading Rd could allow for the addition of a pedestrian crossing. This would help reduce speeds and improve safety on the A417 while allowing this part of the village to be better integrated into the wider village.
Parish Council Meeting
Upton Parish Council will be taking a vote as to which option we should press Oxfordshire County Council to adopt at a meeting in County Hall on the 21st February. This vote will be taken at the next Parish Council meeting scheduled for 8:00pm on the 11th February at the village hall. If you would like to express your views on the matter please do so either at the meeting or via email to parish.council@uptonvillage.co.uk.