Royal HaskoningDHV designs UK's first 'Dutch style' roundabout in Cambridge
Cambridgeshire County Council has been awarded £550,000 to develop the UK’s first ‘Dutch-style’ roundabout at Fendon Road and Queen Edith’s Way in Cambridge.
This follows submission of a proposal to the DfT, for a share of the £7 million capital funding allocated by the Government for the 2018-19 Cycle City Ambition Safety programme.
The junction is located on an important route for both commuters and those on their way to school or college. In recent years it has unfortunately experienced a significant number of collisions involving cyclists.
Royal HaskoningDHV was commissioned to develop a scheme that adopted the key principles of Dutch roundabout design, whilst still complying with UK regulations.
The design incorporates a segregated orbital cycle path, priority for cyclists and pedestrians on the entry and exits of the junction and tighter junction geometry; all with the objective of reducing vehicle speeds and improving safety for vulnerable road users.
Andrew Ross, Technical Director, Royal HaskoningDHV, said: “Whilst several previous UK schemes have used elements of ‘Dutch-style’ roundabout design, this is considered to be the first in the UK that incorporates all the principles specified in the Dutch cycle design manual, that together create a cycle and pedestrian-friendly junction.
“We were selected as a result of our extensive experience in designing for sustainable travel around the world. Drawing on the knowledge of experts in both The Netherlands and the UK, we collaborated on a solution that’s appropriate for the UK context and which overcomes site-specific challenges.”
Works on site are due to commence in early 2019 and the scheme’s total cost is estimated to be in the region of £800,000. The allocation of the capital grant will complement £250,000 of local funding from Section 106 developer contributions.
Councillor Ian Bates, Cambridgeshire County Council’s Chair of the Economy and Environment Committee said: “This project, which is a first not only for Cambridge but also the UK, will improve the experience for everyone using the roundabout. Cyclists and pedestrians, as well as drivers, will now have the space they need to travel safely.
“This scheme will encourage cycling amongst both adults and children in the area, which in turn will bring health benefits from increased physical activity of new cyclists.”
Royal HaskoningDHV continue to support Cambridgeshire County Council in developing the detailed designs, together with Skanska UK.
This project, which is a first not only for Cambridge but also the UK, will improve the experience for everyone using the roundabout. Cyclists and pedestrians, as well as drivers, will now have the space they need to travel safely.
Ian Bates continues: “This scheme will encourage cycling amongst both adults and children in the area, which in turn will bring health benefits from increased physical activity of new cyclists.”
Royal HaskoningDHV continue to support Cambridgeshire County Council in developing the detailed designs, together with Skanska UK.
