This amazing picture of a double rainbow over Harrier Way by Katie Mitchell is the perfect opportunity to update you all on planned works to complete Harrier Way.
The Parish Council has been looking at two specific topics on Harrier Way, (1) The currently closed junction with Lime Tree Avenue and residents’ damaged driveways adjacent to the closure, and (2) the safety of pedestrians and motorists around the Harrier Way junction with Hunts Grove Drive.
Completing Harrier Way (Section Shorn Brook to Hunts Grove Drive)
Working with Crest Nicholson, we have been able to secure the commitment to resurface the damaged driveways, a great result for those affected residents. We also have an understanding of the planned works to finish that stretch of Harrier Way.
The works will involve:
- Removing the haul road that runs parallel to Harrier Way, removing the fencing and restoring the landscaping;
- Completing the junction of Lime Tree Avenue with Harrier Way;
- Raising ironworks / drains etc and applying the final tarmac surface;
The works will take 6-8 weeks we understand and are scheduled with contractors for 1st Quarter 2022. Crest will update the Parish with the exact work timeline.
Harrier Way Junction Safety
Parish Councillors have raised concerns regarding the design of the Harrier Way junction with Hunts Grove Drive for several years now. Essentially, it was originally only a secondary road in the old masterplan when it was constructed in 2009/2010. Unfortunately, the masterplan was changed in 2015 to make this the primary spine road, but this junction wasn’t upgraded!
This has been raised with Crest Nicholson several times, however, they have made their position clear that they will not engage in any discussions on this.
Following consistent calls from residents to the Parish Council that something needs to be done, including over sixty consultation responses of the dangerous conditions, we have been trying to get the junction assessed by experts and also consulting with other stakeholders such as Stagecoach who operate the bus service at Hunts Grove.
It has been a long process! In the last few weeks, there has been some progress though. Stagecoach responded to us with a highly detailed assessment from their perspective, fully endorsing the concerns raised by the Parish Council.
Meanwhile, we have been lobbying the Highways Department with the assistance of our County Councillor Stephen Davies. An on-site meeting was held with the district Highways Manager a couple of months ago and just this week the County Principal Engineer carried out a site survey and assessment of what can be done to address the concerns.
For the first time, we have an official acknowledgment and agreement that the concerns raised are valid. We also have the Principal Engineer’s report to discuss with Crest Nicholson. We will keep you informed as soon as we have more news.