Innovative roundabout claims CIHT honours

An innovative turbo-style roundabout constructed by Hanson Contracting has been presented with a top honour at the 2015 CIHT (Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation) awards.

The scheme in Bedford is the first of its kind in England and improves capacity and safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

It received a High Commended award in the innovation category of the annual scheme, which promoted professionalism and best practice in the highways and transportation industry to a wider audience.

Union Street roundabout, on the A6, had the highest level of serious cyclist accidents in Bedford over the last 10 years.

Building on the fundamentals of an original Dutch design, the turbo-style roundabout combines the capacity of a two-lane roundabout with the safety of a single lane, compact, roundabout. This has made it safer to use by reducing traffic speeds while maintaining traffic flows with no additional peak-time queuing and providing safe crossing points for cyclists and pedestrians.

The judges said: “We were impressed by the balance of pragmatism and innovation to produce a creative and efficient solution which addresses the primary design objectives, while accommodating the needs of all road users.”

For more information about CIHT and the awards visit www.ciht.org.uk