On Wednesday 2nd February 2011 the A40 pedestrian overbridge at Denham was struck by a delivery lorry with mounted crane causing damage to the bridge. Following investigation into possible options to prop the bridge, the severity of the damage meant that the structure's strength and stability was compromised and the bridge had to be removed. The delivery company has admitted liability and TfB will be seeking to recover the full cost from their insurers. We had to implement an emergency road closure and our staff worked through the night on February 7th 2011 to remove the damaged bridge. Plans have now been unveiled outlining the permanent solution.
The Cabinet Member Decision can be found here - http://democracy.buckscc.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2570
UPDATE
January 2012
Plans have been unveiled by Transport for Buckinghamshire to install a puffin crossing on the A40 in Denham. The decision comes after a consultation into the future of the pedestrian bridge, removed after a collision in February 2011.
The consultation on all the options took place and the solution was agreed by a Cabinet Member decision in early January. Work is scheduled to start towards the end of February and the programme of work will be available to view online.
The road will stay as a dual carriageway permanently and the speed limit will be raised to 40mph through the area. The street lighting will also remain on, the area previously having been part of the street light switch off trial.
Peter Hardy, Buckinghamshire County Council Cabinet Member for Planning and Transport said, "This is excellent news for the residents and road users of Denham as we now have an effective, efficient and economically viable solution."
During consultation, it became evident that the old overbridge was frequently not used, with pedestrians preferring to risk crossing the road at ground level without a formal crossing instead. The temporary crossing installed after the bridge was struck also proved popular, with minimal delays to traffic. In addition to this, replacing the structure with a puffin crossing makes long term economic sense in whole life cost terms, by saving an estimated £1.73M over 60 years when compared to the bridge repair option.
The damage to the footbridge was caused by a third party. TfB will now take action to recover the full costs of the temporary works required and permanent solution from the third party's insurers.
October 2011
On 25th October a Local Exhibition was held into the options considered and a preferred solution.
It is believed that the old bridge was not well used as pedestrians preferred the easier but more dangerous option of crossing at ground level. This in combination with the additional costs of the two bridge options leads us to believe that a new PUFFIN crossing with 2 lanes (Option 2A) is the best solution as it is safer than the 3 lane option. With the increase in speed limit to 40mph it provides a good compromise between the needs of the pedestrian and the motorist.
These PUFFIN Crossings would each cross two lanes with a speed limit of 40 mph. This provides reduced crossing distance and slower traffic speeds reducing the exposure of pedestrians to traffic while maintaining traffic flows.
Further details are provided on the 7 PDFs in the related files section below:
A40 Denham Final Layout Sheet 1 Repair and Replacement Option
A40 Denham Final Layout Sheet 2 What is a PUFFIN crossing
A40 Denham Final Layout Sheet 3 Option 1 A Repair Bridge
A40 Denham Final Layout Sheet 4 Option 1 B Replace Bridge
A40 Denham Final Layout Sheet 5 Option 2 A 2 Lane Crossing
A40 Denham Final Layout Sheet 6 Option 2 B 3 Lane Crossing
A40 Denham Final Layout Sheet 7 Summary Preferred Option 2A
September 2011
Work has been completed on a feasibility study to look at the options available to the County Council regarding the long term future for a crossing of the A40 at this location. The 3 options considered are repair the existing structure, replace the structure with a new footbridge to current standards or provide a permanent traffic light controlled crossing at ground level.
The report has been considered and an exhibition on the preferred option and the other options considered is being planned for the end of October. This will include a local event and information will be made available on this website.
Further details on the exhibition will be available shortly and the event will be advertised.
March 2011
Pelican Crossing
A more substantial signal controlled pelican crossing has been installed while a permanent solution is investigated.
Lane Closure
Two lanes of traffic are running in each direction and high friction surface has been laid. The third lane will remain closed with steel barrier for safety, to reduce traffic speeds and the distance pedestrians have to cross.
Speed Limit
The speed limit has been reduced to 30mph and will be enforced using safety cameras. The reduced speed limit will remain for the duration of the works.
Lighting
The street lighting which was part of the Street Light Switch Off Trial has been restored on this stretch to illuminate the road works and the 30mph speed limit to comply with County policy.
School & Public buses
Buses are not affected by the road works. Pedestrians should use the pelican crossing in place of the bridge and cross with due care and attention to the road.
Route information
Route information has been painted onto the road to replace the gantry signs on the removed bridge.
Bridge ramps
The ramps have been fenced off and danger signs installed to deter climbing. These will remain in case they can be reused in the final solution.
Signage
New signage, including speed limit and safety camera signs, direction signs, crossing signs and scheme information signs have been installed to keep road users and pedestrians as informed as possible and to maximise safety.
We are doing all we can to make this area as safe as possible for road users and pedestrians alike.
This road layout will be in operation for the foreseeable future as the process of carrying out the necessary remedial work is lengthy. This being the case, there is likely to be continuing disruption and delays.
We are currently investigating options and hope to be in a position to report further in 2-3 months.
Before a final decision is made we will consult local residents and Councillors presenting what we think is the most suitable option and our reasoning behind it. They will then have an opportunity to have their say and this will be considered before a final decision is made.
We will keep this page up to date and will regularly use Twitter to send out short, timely messages - you can follow us @tfbalerts.
You will also find answers to FAQs at the bottom of the page.