FOI request detail

A40 30mph speed limits

Request ID: FOI-1325-1819
Date published: 14 August 2018

You asked

Hello, Please can you tell me how long it takes to survey and maybe even repair the corrosion issue with the central reservation on the a40, which has now been going on for at least 9 months with no visible signs of any work actually happening? If it's a safety issue why hasn't it been repaired and if not why is there still a 30mph limit?

We answered

Our ref: FOI-1325-1819/GH

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 13 August 2018 asking for information about the crash barriers on the A40.

Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require.

An inspection of the Vehicle Restraint System (VRS) on the A40 Western Avenue between Target Roundabout and Greenford Roundabout was carried out on 13 December 2017. The site inspection has identified a number of defects which vary in severity with corrosion, accident damage and non-compliant or missing components being the three most prevalent defects. The cumulative effects of all defects found on site lead to the assumption that the VRS currently in place on the A40 will not perform as intended when protecting an errant vehicle from entering the opposing carriageway.

On the evening of Monday 15 December 2017, a temporary speed restriction of 30mph was implemented on the A40 between Target Roundabout and Greenford Flyover with the intention of enhancing road safety whilst issues arising with the VRS between the carriageways are investigated. A Collision Risk Assessment has been carried out by TfL Engineering services for this section of the A40 and the speed restriction is being reviewed with the option to increase the speed limit to 40mph.

A report is currently being completed by the Engineering team at TfL to provide the most cost effective proposal for the interim timeframe, whilst ensuring a safe and operable network. In the longer term an alternative solution will need to be sought. The options currently being considered for a long term solution are still being worked on. Once a decision has been made on the option TfL will produce a detailed design of the chosen option and then proceed with said detailed design to creating a project to complete these work.

If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for some reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.

If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely

Graham Hurt

FOI Case Officer

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London

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