FAQs
- Enhance the capacity of the A23 London Road junction with County Oak Way by facilitating a second right hand turn lane from County Oak Way into London Road.
- New Toucan crossing facilities on Manor Royal junction with Crompton Way, Manor Royal west of Crompton Way, the A23 London Road junctions with Manor Royal, Martyrs Avenue and County Oak Way to provide inclusive crossing opportunities.
- An improved pedestrian and cycling shared facilities on the A23 London Road eastern footpath between its junctions with Manor Royal and County Oak Way.
- A raised table across County Oak Retail Park access to facilitate better crossing.
- A new Zebra crossing along County Oak Way to provide crossing facilities between County Oak and Acorn Retail Parks.
- Provision of traffic calming along Metcalf Way to reduce speed and deter anti-social behaviour.
- A new eastbound bus lane on the northern side of Manor Royal between Crawley’s Business Quarter and Gatwick Road roundabout to improve bus journey reliability.
- Public realm improvements on Gatwick Road Roundabout and Manor Royal’s junction with Newton Road to reduce damage caused by overrunning.
- New bus lay-bys on the A23 London Road northbound to improve journey reliability.
Why is this scheme required?
The Crawley Growth Programme is committed to improving Crawley through a £60m growth package which will unlock jobs, business space and the building of homes. The Manor Royal Business District is a key part of those improvements as the biggest business park of the Gatwick Diamond and one of the South East’s premier mixed activity employment hubs.
Extensive work was previously undertaken by the Manor Royal Business Improvement District (BID) in 2016/17 to review the current transport situation within the Manor Royal Business District and a Transport Strategy Action Plan was issued in January 2017. A successful funding bid for the schemes was then applied for as part of the wider Crawley Growth Programme.
The scheme now being taken forward for delivery comes directly from the Transport Strategy Action Plan with the objectives of improving the pedestrian, cycle and bus access and to help reduce congestion into, around and out of the area.
Where is the scheme?
The scheme covers improvements to key junctions on the A23 London Road, the Metcalf Way / County Oak Way area and Manor Royal Road.
What do the schemes include?
How much will the scheme cost and how is it being funded?
The estimated cost for implementing the scheme is £3.378 million and is being funded through the Crawley Growth Programme.
Who is delivering the scheme?
The Crawley Growth Programme and its schemes will be delivered by a major partnership of public and private organisations, including the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership, West Sussex County Council, Crawley Borough Council, Metrobus, Gatwick Airport Limited, Manor Royal Business Improvement District (BID) Company, the Arora Group, Gatwick Diamond Initiative and Crawley Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) (Formerly Crawley Town Centre Partnership). West Sussex County Council will be responsible for the Project and Contract Management for the proposed improvements.
Will the local community be affected by the construction?
The Crawley Growth Programme will be working closely with partners to ensure that any disruption is kept to a reasonable minimum considering the type and scale of the works. The contractor will also be required to adhere to current codes of conduct designed to reduce the impact of construction activities on residents, workers and visitors. The two phase delivery programme has been implemented to ensure ample time for liaison between all parties working on the scheme and minimal disruption.
We aim to communicate relevant information in a timely manner using appropriate media channels to ensure that everyone is kept informed as the scheme progresses.
Manor Royal based companies and staff can keep up to date by subscribing to the Manor Royal eBulletin, social media channels (particularly Twitter and LinkedIn) and via dedicated pages at www.manorroyal.org/cgp.
Will the improvements reduce congestion?
It is anticipated that the scheme will help reduce congestion within the Manor Royal Business District and improve journey time reliability for both public transport and cars.
What provision has been made for walking and cycling?
The proposals feature improved pedestrian and cycling facilities. The scheme will also consider requirements for those of reduced mobility, embracing the latest standards and guidance to improve connectivity for residents, workers and visitors
How will the existing cycle links be linked?
The Crawley Growth Programme is committed to investment in sustainable modes of transport. We will ensure that the existing cycle network is linked to the proposed scheme where possible, thereby helping to provide a comprehensive cycle network for Crawley.
How will my journey time be made more reliable? How will journey times improve on the Manor Royal bus lane?
The provision of a new eastbound bus lane on Manor Royal will provide enhanced access to destinations beyond the Gatwick Road Roundabout, bypassing queues that can occur at peak periods. To ensure that the new bus lane does not impact on journey times for general traffic, the right turn lane into Newton Road has been retained.
Bus journey time reliability has been further improved by providing a new northbound bus stop along the A23 London Road to ensure buses are no longer delayed by busy retail trading periods. Moving the bus stop will also reduce disruption to other road users by reducing the number of buses that need to use the bus stop at County Oak Way.
All users of routes 10, 100 & 200 will benefit from a more reliable service as buses will no longer be stuck in unpredictable traffic queues on this section of road and will benefit from shorter journey times, attracting more people out of their cars and on to sustainable transport.
Improvement to general traffic journey times is being provided by modification to traffic signals and lane arrangements at the A23 London Road and County Oak Way junction.
Will cyclists / taxis be able to use the bus lane?
The bus lane will be available for use by buses and cyclists only.
Will the proposed improvements require additional land?
An element of land will be required along the southern verge of Manor Royal to accommodate the new bus lane and to provide for a protected right turn into Newton Road. This land is within the existing highway. The mature trees along Manor Royal Road will be retained and be unaffected by these improvements.
Will the road remain open during the construction work?
Until the main contractor is appointed for construction and detailed designs are approved, the Traffic Management Plans cannot be confirmed. However, every effort will be made to minimise the impact on the road network on all road users. The proposed two phase programme has been designed to accommodate time to co-ordinate works with companies with existing assets in the area to ensure they can collaborate with the improvements to minimise disruption.
The contractor will also be a member of the Considerate Contractor Scheme, which membership requires adherence to codes of conduct that recognise the contractor’s duties to ensure a safe and efficient delivery of construction sites.
Will there be any overnight work?
There are no overnight works anticipated. However, this will be confirmed once the main contractor is appointed as part of their Traffic Management Plans.
Will there be any environmental impact?
In general, the scheme is not expected to have a significant negative impact on species or habitats along the routes, including the mature trees along Manor Royal road. All work is being undertaken within the existing highway. This project aims to improve sustainable travel options within Manor Royal and this will have a positive impact on the environment.
Will access for pedestrians be maintained during the works?
Yes. Wherever possible, footpaths will be left open. If a footpath is going to be closed, we will provide advance notice and safe diversion. As a member of the Considerate Contractor Scheme, the appointed contractor will adhere to the code of conduct that recognise their duties to ensure a safe and efficient delivery of construction sites.
Will the works affect my bus journey?
We will be liaising with all bus operators to ensure that the impact the works will have on their timetables can be managed.
Will emergency services be affected by this works?
We will be working closely with emergency services to ensure that the works have minimal impact on their operations.
How did you decide on the proposed improvements scheme?
Extensive work was previously undertaken by the Manor Royal Business Improvement District (BID) in 2016/17 to review the current transport situation within the Manor Royal Business District and a Transport Strategy Action Plan was issued in January 2017. A successful funding bid for the schemes was then applied for as part of the wider Crawley Growth Programme.
The schemes now being taken forward for delivery come directly from the Transport Strategy Action Plan with the objectives of improving the pedestrian, cycle and bus access and to help reduce congestion into and out of the area.
Who has been involved in developing the proposed improvement scheme?
The Crawley Growth Programme has involved their key partners, Manor Royal Business Improvement District (BID), West Sussex County Council, Crawley Borough Council, Metrobus and the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership in this set of schemes.
What are you doing for businesses affected by these works?
The extent of the likely disruption caused by construction will be assessed and priority will be given to reducing overall delays and disruption.
Will I be able to get deliveries to my business while these works are undertaken? How much disruption will there be?
Access to businesses will be maintained throughout the work.
Who can I contact if I have an additional question?
Please email manorroyalworks@westsussex.gov.uk. We will aim to get back to you within 3 working days.