St Mary's Axe, City of London
TMS recently conducted a Stage 1 Road Safety Audit associated with a temporary traffic management scheme on St Mary’s Axe in the City of London. The aims of the scheme were to minimise the impact of construction traffic associated with the redevelopment of 1 Undershaft (also known as St Helen’s Tower).
Located opposite 30 St Mary’s Axe (more commonly known as The Gherkin), the redevelopment, which includes the demolition of the existing St Helen’s Tower, would provide a new landmark tower in the City of London. Upon completion, the building will be the tallest in the City of London and the joint tallest in Western Europe, matching the height of the Shard. According to the architects, 1 Undershaft will also provide Europe’s highest publicly accessible viewing gallery and a ‘world-leading’ educational space curated by the London Museum. The development also includes enhanced public realm and a free-to-access public garden on the 11th floor of the building. A new public square featuring outdoor seating amongst trees and planting will also be provided.
The Works
The audited proposals comprised the closure of the existing footway on the southern side of Undershaft and the provision of a pedestrian diversionary route to the north of Undershaft. An alternative diversionary route was also proposed, passing between The Leadenhall Building and the construction site. Amendments to existing on-street motorcycle parking bays were also proposed, accommodating construction access into the site from St Mary’s Axe.
Vehicle activity in and out of the three gates into the site would be managed by marshals with concertina barriers, controlling pedestrian movement across the openings.
Stage 1 Road Safety Audit
At the time of our commission, the works had commenced with the area around St Helen’s Tower fenced off and the temporary pedestrian diversions were in place. Marshals were controlling pedestrian movement across the existing underground car park access during vehicle movements.
Following an assessment of the existing highway environment in context with the proposals, the Audit Team recommended that a temporary ramp be provided at the transition between the existing footway on St Mary’s Axe and the carriageway. Due to the temporary closure of the southern footway on Undershaft, pedestrians would be required to negotiate a full height kerb to access the diversionary route.
It was also recommended that additional temporary signage was installed to provide pedestrians with clear directions around the closures, with signage located so that it did not impede movement.
If you have a scheme of this nature that requires a Road Safety Audit, then please call us on +44 (0)24 7669 0900 or alternatively please email Lorna Styring or request a quote using the link below.