Project Overview

The existing roundabout junction was not suitable for cyclists and lacked crossing points for pedestrians to navigate. The road is on one of the main traffic routes into the town centre for local buses, deliveries, and general traffic so closing would be a last resort. The existing roundabout splitter island needed to be replaced to suit a revised road layout.

The Challenge

  • The existing roundabout junction was not suitable for cyclists and lacked crossing points for pedestrians to navigate
  • The road is on one of the main traffic routes into the town centre for local buses, deliveries, and general traffic so closing would be a last resort
  • The existing roundabout splitter island needed to be replaced to suit a revised road layout
Waterloo Road roundabout before replacement

The challenge: roundabout junction unsuitable for cyclists and pedestrians

Project Objectives

  1. Improve the existing roundabout junction with a focus on walking and cycling
  2. Install a new island to meet the geometry of the narrowed road
  3. Find a supplier to provide a bespoke island that matches the geometry of the pre cast concrete kerb design
  4. Minimise disruption to traffic flows during the installation
  5. Install the new island in the most time and cost effective manner

Our Solution

  1. Install a bespoke, surface-mounted island that meets the design geometry of the road
  2. Carry out the installation in a relatively short time under minimal traffic management
  3. Rosehill Highways' traffic islands consist of large, durable rubber sections which maximise stability and impact resistance while reducing future maintenance requirements
  4. Each traffic island can be installed in less than a day, requiring limited lane closures and allowing continued traffic flow
Traffic Island installation on Waterloo Road

Bespoke extended traffic island on Waterloo Road

"Construction of a traditional pre cast concrete kerbed island on Waterloo Road would have resulted in a road closure over several days due to the narrow configuration of the carriageway. A bespoke surface-mounted solution from Rosehill Highways was installed in a just one and a half hours under minimal traffic management with the road opened back up to all traffic flows immediately after the installation."
— David Potter, Northumberland County Council

Results & Impact

  • The roundabout junction is now easier to navigate by bike or on foot
  • Pedestrians are able to cross the road at the new dedicated crossing points provided as part of the overall scheme
  • The new splitter island ensures traffic is directed accordingly at the amended roundabout arm
Completed traffic island on Waterloo Road

Completed roundabout improvement on Waterloo Road