In July 1991 the Department of Transport announced that Market Harborough had been selected for inclusion in a national Demonstration Project to explore measures designed to take full advantage of the benefits of trunk road bypasses. The completion of the A6 trunk road bypass around Market Harborough provided the opportunity to maximise the environmental benefits through the development of a safety and traffic management strategy for the whole town. Particular reference is made to the key stages of public participation and consultation as well as the management framework and resource difficulties encountered in the development of such a major project. The paper outlines the design processes involved from the initial visionary stage where objectives and broad strategies were developed through to the preparation of detailed design options involving the extensive use of traffic calming techniques. This involved critical examination of the road hierarchy in order to identify the balance of needs between the competing road users and the integration of measures to improve the appearance and attraction of the town. A description of the detailed designs associated with the town centre is highlighted as it gives an excellent illustration of not only the process involved but also how the public consultation exercise influenced design both in setting the initial principles and then subsequently modifying scheme details. Much of the detailed design works has been undertaken on behalf of Leicestershire County Council by independent consultants (Osc ar Faber TPA) whose staff worked alongside the Highway Authority's staff in County Hall. The total cost of the works currently identified and approved is 1.1 million pounds and works on site are anticipated to start during Autumn 1993. (A)
Abstract