Osmaston Road Bus Service Improvement Plan Consultation
We would like your say on proposals to introduce a bus lane, improved junctions/crossing points and the installation of a shared use cyclepath on Osmaston Road. The proposals are located on the outbound section of Osmaston Road between Nightingale Road and the Mitre (Spider) Island. The proposal also includes crossing and junction improvements to Ascot Drive.
There is already work going on in this area; why are we asking you about these new proposals?
We are currently installing new intuitive signals at the Mitre (Spider) Island which will improve bus priority, traffic management and pedestrian crossings. The signals renewal will improve the quality of pedestrian facilities at the junction, but will also improve the capacity of the junction. The use of nearside pedestrian displays means that the minimum green time for pedestrians can be reduced. On-crossing detectors will also improve capacity, by extending green times for pedestrians when required but applying minimum green times when pedestrians cross quickly.
What problems are the proposals hoping to address?
Osmaston Road towards the ring road at Mitre (Spider) Island carries large volumes of traffic, buses and pedestrians. Vehicles travelling through the area are already controlled by the existing signalised junctions, which also provide a large number of pedestrian crossings.
Studies showed that congestion and queues were observed on all roads in the area, but the largest delays were on the outbound Osmaston Road between Nightingale Road and the Mitre (Spider) Island. Large queues were also observed at the Ascot Drive junction, heading into Ascot Drive in the morning peak period and out of Ascot Drive during the afternoon peak period.
Average time delays for traffic driving along Osmaston Road during peak periods is an additional 3 minutes. For buses travelling in this location during peak times, average bus journey speeds halved during the peak periods. Worst-case journeys travel along this section of the route at an average of 3-4mph.
What are the proposals?
The proposal is to introduce more space for buses, cycles and pedestrians by installing an outbound bus lane, improving junctions and pedestrian crossing points and creating a shared use cyclepath. A key objective of this scheme is to encourage an increase in journeys by low carbon, sustainable travel modes which in turn would help contribute to climate change objectives, reduce air pollution and improve public health.
Why are we proposing these changes?
The National Bus Strategy calls for Local Transport Authorities to deliver better bus services and specifically calls for measures to be implemented to improve public transport.
The scheme proposed will contribute towards the objectives of this project, which are to:
- Increase the number of bus passengers across Derby.
- Improve the experience for bus passengers without impacting general traffic.
- Provide an accessible and attractive alternative to the car.
- Quicker and reliable bus journey and improved journey times.
- Reduce carbon emissions
The proposed scheme would have benefits for bus journey times. Southbound buses on Osmaston Road would have reduced journey times of up to 9 minutes during the peak hours. The proposals would also benefit pedestrians and cyclists - providing improved links to/from the City Centre and enhance the appearance of the local area.
How would this be funded?
Funding has been awarded to Derby City Council through the National Bus Strategy: Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). This funding covers measures such as bus priority infrastructure, fares support, ticketing reform, bus service support and improved information.
How can I have my say?
We have set up a short survey detailing all of the proposals and would love to hear what you think. The survey is open for 12 weeks and closes at midnight on Sunday 27 October 2024. If you require the survey in another format, for example hard copy, please email nbs@derby.gov.uk
