Forum Topic

Resurfacing and new cycle lanes – High Street Brentford

The resurfacing of the A315 High Street (Brentford), starting at Wilkes Road/Goat Wharf/Premier Inn and finishing at Brentford Bridge/Commerce Road/Holiday Inn, is well underway.The programme runs from 12 to 30 March (approximately), with work undertaken overnight, each night (except Sundays), starting at 8pm and finishing at 6am.Work has now been completed at the eastern end (Wilkes Road to just east of Town Meadow) and is currently proceeding alongside Morrison’s before moving through the town centre. A section near the County Court (Alexandra Road junction) has been skipped and will be resurfaced next month when kerbline work is completed.At the conclusion of this work we will have 250 metres of high quality cycle lanes in each direction, between Wilkes Road and Alexandra Road – this section will now be “Cycle Superhighway ready”, just awaiting the blue surface in 2014.All the works have been funded by Transport for London.Further improvements to the cycle facilities along the A315 will be achieved later this year and throughout 2013/14, in preparation for the Cycle Superhighway. Apologies for any temporary inconvenience while this section of the High Street is upgraded.Chris Calvi-FreemanHead of TransportLondon Bough of Hounslow

Chris Calvi-Freeman ● 4893d96 Comments

Steve.The traffic appeared to be 'traffic light driven' - allowing a few cars through from one end then the other end.  It seemed very pleasant to have the gaps in the traffic with a lull to the noise, and made the road seem part of the pavement rather than dividing the area in two.  I don't know if that is the intention.Has there ever been a mini roundabout instead of traffic lights by the watermans?The work to the junctions is lovely and appears to be very good quality.My impression was that the road markings are still to be painted as the original yellow lines are now in the middle of the road where the kerb has been moved back from them.  That is when the cycle lanes will appear.

Sarah Felstead ● 4816d

Good photos Sarah.  Interesting that there is no traffic!  I wonder how much High Street trade was lost due to motorists being scared away by the unending roadworks though?  More interesting is the total lack of cyclists using the cycle lanes.  Perhaps some 'cycle spotting'  would be appropriate. ;-)

Steve Taylor ● 4818d

Along by the marked Thames path.  To my untrained eye, the solitary cone left behind doesn't appear to be there for any reason, I lifted it to check.  There is a nice tidy pile of sweepings tucked under the weeds at the beginning of the Thames path.Some very smart work chaps, that kerb work is lovely!

Sarah Felstead ● 4818d

The view the other way along the High streetVery nice setting under the tree.  The seat could do with a power wash from time to time though.I found a small space on the seat without muck and sat to take this view.

Sarah Felstead ● 4818d

I thought I saw Andy in the hole near the memorial in Isleworth, then when I got to Morrisons I found this sight!

Sarah Felstead ● 4819d

Claire, according to my camera, which I think I am reading correctly, the photo of Andy had him hard at work at 14.02, and he had been on site for a while when I spoke to him.  He was alone when I took the photo.  The other group working hard in the background of the other photographs was taken around 11.15am.I do wonder whether anyone should be expected to be outside in full sun, working in this heat.  :-(

Sarah Felstead ● 4823d

I took Chris'  advice and went by at 11.45am yesterday. Nothing. Then went back at 14.00. Nothing. I assumed they were having a nice lunch in the sun. Today, went by at 15.00. Nothing. However, the chicane looks like even more fun so instead of walking tomorrow I'm going to do from Fat Boys to the traffic lights at 60 :)

Claire Peleschka ● 4823d

I see the odd few blokes lately.What's this about 8am being too early? When I was on the buildings years ago you were expected to be well into it by then.

Keith Iddon ● 4823d

I thought the photo would play havoc with your emotions, Adam - looks like I was right!  :-)

Sarah Felstead ● 4824d

On the roadworks, I, like Keith, have never seen any contractors on site.  But to be fair I drive past before 8am, and if I return home that way after work it's always around half 5, so I wouldn't expect them to be working at either time.  And Sarah's photos clearly show that work is taking place during the day. Personally speaking, I'm not convinced that the costs are balanced out by the benefits, but I'm no expert.  I did however chuckle at Claire's Grand Prix chicane comparison because I think exactly the same everytime I drive through the cones ;-)

Adam Beamish ● 4824d

So it's still not finished then????

Claire Peleschka ● 4825d

Sarah Felstead ● 4825d

A stroll through Brentford today found residents relaxing in the warm sunshine and taking in the views.

Sarah Felstead ● 4825d

Steve, fair enough, I wouldn't usually be 'cryptic' either but  in this case, because of the tragic circumstances, I'd rather do it that way.The thread that was removed at Keith's request (who originally posted the thread simply contained a very similar post to yours, as the writer (not Keith) asked why weren't Hounslow putting more pressure on contractors - which for the same reasons was highly insensitive given the timing.I'd rather let this rest now.

Adam Beamish ● 4827d

Adam Someone who wants to remain anonymous  has since  pm'd me and pointed me in the direction of the newspaper article to which you refer. Whilst I do indeed try to keep updated with local, national and international issues I missed this  specific issue as I have been extremely busy with work related issues and family events. Not to mention the Twickenham rugby over the last two weekends!. Quite frankly I didn't have the time to do any digging and I believe that even if I did have time I would not have done any digging as I don't operate like that. Life is too short. (yes I plead guilty of shooting from the hip) I believe in confronting issues head on rather than pussy-footing around them with cryptic messages. If I want to know something - I ask directly. Hence my questions to you.  I should add that when I read you post I assumed some legal action was being taking about the potholes!  However I still have no idea what the  thread removed by the editor was about but I now have no desire to know as I can only assume it was nasty or inappropriate.

Steve Taylor ● 4827d

Steve, if I'm honest it surprises me that you have no idea what I'm talking about given the inquest has been reported all over the local, regional and national media this week, including on the front page of CW4 which you've contributed to in the past.However, so be it, but at the same time if you'd posted what I posted to you then before I responded I'd have done some digging in an effort to find out what the poster might be talking about.  If you had done, then I think you'd have understood my post.  So I hope now you'll have a look at the front page articles on CW4 and hopefully realise the basis for my earlier post.As for calling you a 'daft fool', in my view it's a fairly mild personal insult, and whilst I'll take back the fool comment, I do think even if you didn't have a clue what I was on about it was 'daft' not to do some research to get an idea what I might have been on about before you responded.

Adam Beamish ● 4827d

"We've already removed the other thread and now you say something as insensitive as this."Adam, I have no idea what you are talking about. What thread ?? What's insensitive?"after the inquest earlier this week and the subsequent announcement that the Council is being sued."Adam, I have no idea what you are talking about.  What inquest, what announcement, what legal action? Is the Council being sued over Cycle lanes or potholes? "Think before you post you daft fool."Adam, no need to insult me personally. I thought better of you but I'll put it down to you having a bad day.All the best

Steve Taylor ● 4828d

FFS Steve are you for real ?.  We've already removed the other thread and now you say something as insensitive as this.I don't necessarily disagree with people's perfectly reasonable expressions of frustration about how long engineering works take, but not directly the blame at one individual, and certainly not using such an absolutely callous  comment as "I wonder what it will take" after the inquest earlier this week and the subsequent announcement that the Council is being sued.  Think before you post you daft fool.

Adam Beamish ● 4829d

All this money spent on cycle lanes which are hardly used whilst the potholes get bigger and bigger (and more dangerous) I wonder what it will take for Hounslow's head of transport to take action.

Steve Taylor ● 4829d

The other thread is no more.  :-)  Thanks Ed.

Sarah Felstead ● 4830d

Thanks Adam

George Knox ● 4830d

Adam,Thankyou for the acknowledgement on your last post on the other thread.

Keith Iddon ● 4831d

George, difficult for me to answer because the nature of my work in local government meant that I rarely was reliant on third parties or organisations doing something within a certain deadline.The only 'issue' that ever caused me concern was when a contractor I had appointed to undertake some direct action work on behalf of the Council issued an invoice relating to equipment hired from a particular company, and when I did some cursory background checking I found the contractor had never hired any equipment from that company, so I refused to pay the invoice.Nowadays everyday either I or other private sector specialists are working to deadlines, and generally speaking in my experience it isn't unusual for any of us to go slightly over deadlines set by the client, without any penalty.But as I say planning is a very different ball game to engineering/maintenance work.

Adam Beamish ● 4831d

Adam,I have transferred this query to this thread.Do you agree with some of what Paul is alluding to in general terms, namely that there are often delays with Council contracts. And more of interest do you feel that contracts let by Councils are generally as commercial and as stiff on penalties as may be found in the private sector?

George Knox ● 4831d

I would appreciate it more if just about every single estimate of how long works will take didn't over run by weeks and months.I wonder how happy you or anyone having works done on their house was given an estimate of 4 weeks and 10 weeks later the job did still not even look like it would be completed was patronised with 'optimism bias' excuse and a list of who else to blame.I wouldn't mind so much but it seems that every piece of public works over run.Chris suggested a couple of posts ago that perhaps me and a couple of others on this forum could try to do his job better than him,which as a public servant addressing members of the public is a bit rich as we pay his wages as far as I know.What I want is for whoever is involved in what should be a straight forward process to do THEIR jobs better.I'm sure they love the praise when they get it,and the wages,so critiscism is fair game when appropriate.

Keith Iddon ● 4831d

I'm going to note a bit of support for our CCF. At least he is willing to post and reply on this and other local forums. Many in similar roles do not. And this week, with the additional pressure of a name check in the Evening Standard (for, all of things, pressing contractors to complete work more rapidly) in the most unfortunate of circumstances, this makes me think its a bit of poor timing to slate CCF.

Alan Clark ● 4832d

Still not finished and not a lot going on today.Nice sunny day too,just the sort of day to roll up your sleeves and finish the 7 weeks overdue job...probably the wrong type of sunshine tho'.

Keith Iddon ● 4832d

I don't want to do your job 'better that you' Chris a I have my own job which I manage to get to despite these interminable roadworks.I have had a go at the whole process of which you are obviously a small part that has no real power or say in getting things done on time.It's nothing personal but everytime we have roadworks the end date always sems to over run by months.We were told these works would finish about the end of March.It is now May 12.

Keith Iddon ● 4836d

ClaireI usually make my site visits en route to work, but I always call in if passing at other times, and have yet to see the site disserted during normal working hours, although once or twice the crew have been having their tea break in the site hut (shock horror).  Your assertion that the Borough is being ripped off by a contracting firm that deploys its crew to this site only part time is ridiculous.  I have told you several times that it is impractical to try to put significantly more resources into this job, and that the crew are there 6 days/week. I know what progress they make as I see the results of each day’s work.  And yes, they do take lunch breaks and tea breaks as do anyone else engaged in hard manual work. Perhaps if you got out of you car and walked the route (it’s only half a kilometre) and took careful note of the work that has been done, you would see that this stretch has been substantially improved.  Of course you would be unlikely to remember in any detail what it was previously like, and you will be unable to see the buried utility services that have been relocated, but you should be able to get a sense of the quantum of work involved when you see the new kerblines, paving and raised treatments etc.  I am happy to walk it with you, Keith, Steve or anyone else who thinks they know my job better than I do.  I am happy to do this on a weekday, a weekend, or almost any evening if you prefer, as I presume that you may have other commitments elsewhere at some times.  You are either calling me a fool or a liar.  I am neither, and have a very sound reputation in transport circles across London for what I and my team have achieved over the past decade.  So here’s the offer:  meet me, face to face, look me in the eye and repeat the assertions you have made.  Start with an open mind and allow me the courtesy to explain the complexities of the project.  If you are unwilling to do this, you can be assured that I will pay no further mind to your postings, as they are merely unsubstantiated criticism made without courage-of-conviction.You can reach me at chris.calvi-freeman@hounslow.gov.uk

Chris Calvi-Freeman ● 4836d

Wow, Chris has come out fighting.“ In fact they’re there 6 days/week.  I see them, every day when I make a site visit."  Boss comes on a site visit and workers are there media shock. Oh dear God. Do you honestly believe they did not know you were coming? And if you're just driving past can you let me know what time because I'm yet to see anyone there.THIS IS THE BEST THOUGH,"More importantly, their employer is paid by the metreage of kerbline laid, square metreage of paving completed etc, (not by the hour), and I know the boss of the contracting firm wouldn’t tolerate any absenteeism or indolence." Do you honestly not see the problem with this arrangement?  So they get paid for laying a certain amount of curb and paving whether it takes 1 week or 10 years? In between they subsidise their slow periods of work by coming back and working on their LA job. If he's paid in metereage rather than time there's really little incentive to get it done quick is there?You're keeping their business going when there's no other work.

Claire Peleschka ● 4836d

So I'll look forward to your booking an appointment to tell me precisely what information I have provided has been incorrect?

Chris Calvi-Freeman ● 4836d

Absolutely Steve.In Chris's defence, he's come on here to provide information but said information has proved, over time, to be incorrect, and therefore, we've been provided excuse after excuse. Some are understandable, some are not.There may be difficulties with contractors and other utilities and we have had some extreme rain but let's face it, in all honesty, there has been a distinct lack of activity by workmen for quite some time. In fact since it started. Some things may be out of the council's control but those who do work for them should do so. That means 7-8 hours ON SITE. Not sitting around drinking tea looking at a hole. That does not mean being absent for so long that pedestrians or drivers have to lift the barriers out of the road because they've fallen over. That does not mean 'being on another site 100 metres away' There is either a problem with managing a contract or managing their own staff. Neither of which I think anyone would be particularly surprised by.

Claire Peleschka ● 4836d

As I said before, I don’t intend to debate this issue ad nauseum. Claire, you’ve claimed that the works have been going for “what seems more than a year now.”  Your perceptions are of course your own, but the reality is the scheme has been in progress for just under six months and is nearly finished.  This puts it a few weeks over the predicated time span and I have already explained the main causes for the slippage – delays awaiting statutory utilities to attend, and more recently some poor weather.  “.if you honestly believe that your team of 4 have been working tirelessly on works within 100 metres of the particular bit of work for 6 month's solid you are fooling yourself.”  That’s not what I said.  I suggest you re-read what I wrote.“I appreciate that there is a perceived tendency to moan about things on here but please don't try to kid us that these works have been done as efficiently as possible.” I’m not sure if there is a perceived tendency.  What I read is a very small number of people apparently repeatedly making unsubstantiated claims, or misunderstanding, misrepresenting or selectively misquoting what others have written, presumably for their own edification of for a very small audience. “Surely the fact that Andy & co. (or anyone) has not actually been seen during normal working hours since these works began has something to do with it?”  That's just ridiculous. In fact they’re there 6 days/week.  I see them, every day when I make a site visit.  More importantly, their employer is paid by the metreage of kerbline laid, square metreage of paving completed etc, (not by the hour), and I know the boss of the contracting firm wouldn’t tolerate any absenteeism or indolence.  “As for the 2 pedestrian refuges opposite Morrison's - are you referring to the things that are already there but surrounded by cones for the last few weeks that make it like an F1 chicane to drive through?”It’s not an F1 race track, it’s a 30mph road entering a town centre.  I personally have no difficulty driving along this stretch at a reasonable speed.  But then again I can see the workers, the cyclists and the pedestrians crossing the road.  If you were to stand on or near any worksite for just a few minutes you would be aghast at how little some drivers are prepared to slow to safeguard the lives of those who work on the road.  If you or your fellow posters feeling sufficiently aggrieved, please book a meeting with me and I will show you all the scheme plans and explain in detail what we are achieving at this site and why 6-8 months is not an unreasonable length of time to achieve it.  If not, I’m afraid it doesn’t appear to be worth my while to continue this correspondence as I have many other responsibilities and interests.CCF

Chris Calvi-Freeman ● 4836d

Mmmmm.....I wonder if it will be finished before the Olympics. It will be quite embarrassing for this Borough if visitors staying at the Syon Park Hotel are driven through Brentford to get onto the Chiswick flyover and they have to see such a mess.I think the problem is that once contractors are signed up by this Council they simply laugh all the way to the bank because its been shown time and time again that when things go wrong, senior officers are content to deal with ( and be fobbed of by)  the office junior rather than go to the top and get things sorted out. It wouldn't be tolerated in the private sector.

Steve Taylor ● 4836d

Chris,many thanks but if you honestly believe that your team of 4 have been working tirelessly on works within 100 metres of the particular bit of work for 6 month's solid you are fooling yourself.I appreciate that there is a perceived tendancy to moan about things on here but please don't try to kid us that these works have been done as efficiently as possible. First there was trouble getting everyone together, then there was a team of 4 on multiple sites that - lets face it - are pretty much the same site give or take, and the booking months in advance of the resurfacing contractors.I'm no expert but if these other contractors have to be booked months in advance and co-ordinated like a military strike, how is it possible that these works have overrun (by your own admission)?  Surely the fact that Andy & co. (or anyone) has not actually been seen during normal working hours since these works began has something to do with it?As for the 2 pedestrian refuges opposite Morrison's - are you referring to the things that are already there but surrounded by cones for the last few weeks that make it like an F1 chicane to drive through?

Claire Peleschka ● 4836d

Chris,You either have a skin as thick as that of a rhino or you are having a laugh imo. These works have not 'progressed steadily' unless you are using the rate of continental drift as a yardstick.'Should be finished by this time next week'..more 'optimism bias '?

Keith Iddon ● 4836d

ClaireFair questions Claire.  By very close proximity I meant all within a hundred metres.  The scheme commenced east of the Premier Hotel in November and has progressed steadily westwards, with the most time-consuming  works being around Fat Boys/ Pump Alley junction/ Heidelberg Printing Press.  This is the section shown in Sarah’s two latest photos (16:47 this afternoon).  By Monday night, the raised entry treatment across Pump Alley should be finished and by this time next week the footway in front of Fat Boys should also be complete.  This will then just leave two pedestrian refuges opposite Morrison’s car park to complete.The job has been in progress for six months.  Realistically, throwing a lot more men into it wouldn’t have increased the pace substantially, because (as I’ve said previously) there are practical limits to the number of men and machines that can work in a particular space while still keeping passageways open for road traffic and pedestrians.  For example, at Pump Alley, the raised treatment has been built in two halves as it’s been necessary to keep the road open for the huge lorries coming in and out of Heidelberg each day.

Chris Calvi-Freeman ● 4837d

Sarah Felstead ● 4837d

I think Andy and Co's installation of "Pink Skeletal Elephants in wellies crossing a road" is infinitely nicer than Kapoor and Balmonds "Orbit".

Tony Wood ● 4837d

Yes, Chris, the work looks very neat and will look particularly smart on completion.  I asked Andy if I could take his photo to use on the forum and I showed him the result, he may not have realised what he was agreeing to, though! .... .... ....  :-)x

Sarah Felstead ● 4837d

Chrissounds like you and Andy need to get a room lol. Seriously though, a crew of 4 working on several sites at the same time would explain why these works seem to have been going on forever and nothing ever appears to be going on. Not sure what is considered 'close proximity' though. Maybe you should look to increase the amount of people you have doing these works to minimise the amount of time they take. It clearly isn't all about booking in advance or co-ordinating other parties that has made these works drag out for what seems more than a year now.

Claire Peleschka ● 4837d

Thanks for posting those pictures Sarah.  I’m sure Andy will be pleased to know he’s an internet star.Just to clarify:  yes,  the crew had been working on several worksites (in very close proximity) at once, to get as many of the kerblines as possible in place before the resurfacing took place (resurfacing contractors have to be programmed months in advance); however the work to reconfigure the kerblines and footways didn’t at any time come to a standstill.  Andy normally works with a crew of four, and yes they’re doing a splendid job.  Where thin concrete kerbs on the junctions have been removed as part of the reconfiguration, we are installing 300mm wide granite kerbs – some re-used from nearby, others new and pre-cut to the correct curvature.  When the job is complete (very soon) the streetscape will look far better than it did, as befits such an important route through Brentford.CCF

Chris Calvi-Freeman ● 4837d

Andy was aware that there had been some 'hoo ha' (my words) about the work and barriers.  Apparently work had come to a standstill because the Council had wanted all the kerbs sorted out first so that they could resurface the road.  He said that they normally work and finish as they go, but because of the want to do the resurfacing, they had to open up lot of holes.  A change in the councils view means that work can start up and continue again.  Team of three, and I caught 2 on a lunch break.  By the way that piece of stone being used for kerb edging is absolutely lovely.

Sarah Felstead ● 4837d

Sarah Felstead ● 4837d

Topic: Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Incompletion of works Message:Looking for something else, I just came across an old tweet and a pic from Isabel Dedring (Boris's Deputy Mayor for Transport) saying "Just came across PCSO reporting unattended works on Tooley St. New system in action! @report_it #roadworks yfrog.com/od619drj  "which prompted me to have a look at the TfL pages on "Report It".http://www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/reportastreetfault/934.aspx#page-link-code-of-conduct-for-roadworks The pledge to "Always have activity on site or, if not, explain why " does not seem to be evident to Keith. I must admit I haven't recently stopped to observe whether there is a notice saying why nothing is happening.Presumably if there isn't we should invoke the bureaucracy and report it ........Worryingly, the associated map of roadworks on the Londonworks website seems to imply that Thames Water are back outside the Musical Museum on 14th May to do:MU1005M2G/GBM/RW/003High Street, Brentford. Slip s/o 399 The Musical Museum Works Proposed Thames Water 0845 9200 800Excavate down on to a 33" water main, double cut and cap main.14/05/2012 to 08/06/2012 -----------------------------------------------------The Mayor of London's Roadworks PledgeRoadworks should...    Be tidy and safe with a clutter-free site so it is safe for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users    Always explain what's happening through detailed, clear and consistent signage    Always have activity on site or, if not, explain why (eg concrete is drying)    Take up as little road/pavement space as possible with a compact working area and eliminating the unnecessary use of cones, safety barriers and storage of materials    Help keep London moving by working outside peak hours, re-opening the road to traffic at peak times and, where this is not possible, working 24/7 or extended hours to complete works as quickly as possible. Diversion routes should be clearly signed

Tim Henderson ● 4837d

It must be part of the LBH PPP initiative.

Keith Iddon ● 4838d

Hounslow is a disgrace!The potholes meticulously circled in chalk some 6 weeks ago, I assume to point out to somebody  that they are dangerous and need repair, are still uncovered and getting worse by the day. Car drivers are concentrating so much on trying to dodge them that they are oblivious to oncoming traffic. This morning a girl was almost knocked off her bike by a driver trying to avoid damaging his tyres by swerving to avoid the car wrecking holes.If they had done the job properly and resurfaced the roads as any intelligent person would have done, they wouldn't have to waste our money by continually having to refill their makeshift work.  You couldn't make it up.  I wonder what it will take - a serious accident?

Steve Taylor ● 4838d

Drove past 8am weather ok no activity.Drove back 4:45 weather ok no activity.WTF is happening?

Keith Iddon ● 4839d

'I wouldn't pay them in washers' is what my old man used to say.

Keith Iddon ● 4839d

It appears only the Council and the local Councillors find it acceptable Keith but please remember to know your place when complaining!

Paul Fisher ● 4839d

Well the barriers are still there and there are still holes in the pavement and nothing going on.How anyone can think this is acceptable I don't know.

Keith Iddon ● 4840d

'Rhubarb rhubarb' springs to mind. Some of us phoned Thames Water and they said it was LBH fault. Funny that,eh?

Keith Iddon ● 4847d

The lengthiest delays on London Road and Brentford in recent times have been down to Thames Water. Complaining about Hounslow Council in these casez is pointless. I commend Chris for posting information on this site and appreciate his persistence despite the occasional nonsense he has to put up with.

John Connelly ● 4847d

You know I don't totally disagree with that either Keith (still find it unbelievable that a 6 mile drive to work can take me up to 50 minutes), but equally I don't expect Chris to have to justify himself on every element of every scheme (many of which are outside of his direct control/influence) on this forum - I'd rather him be doing his job and merely using this forum to give us the 'heads up' on transport matters which may affect our journeys.And to give Chris credit he takes on board what we say and makes the necessary amendments - like the Ealing Road filter light being restored etc.  I only wish his colleagues at Richmond did the same given the debacle they have caused at the junction of Sixth Cross Road and Staines Road ever since their 'improvements'.

Adam Beamish ● 4847d

If something were to be done about every set of roadworks in Brentford not over running by weeks, or by over a year in some cases,I wouldn't have the hump. Simples.

Keith Iddon ● 4847d

I've got to agree with Chris on this Keith.You and I want Council Officers to do their jobs, not to spend hours of their time entering into endless debate on public websites about whether something is right or not - particularly when the opportunity is there to contact any Council Officer through formal/proper channels, which I have done with Chris on a couple of occasions and he's always responded and dealt with the issue promptly.It's appropriate for Chris to post "for information" type but that's as far as he should go.

Adam Beamish ● 4847d

KeithI have not “flounced off”, and I take exception to that phrase.  I started this thread to provide information, not to debate whether our engineers are as good as the Victorians, or whether we should pay a considerable premium to a contractor to guarantee on-time completion of a highway improvement scheme instead of working closely with them to obtain the best-quality and best-value outcome.I have always been happy to post information on this website for the benefit of local residents, in whose service I work.  I am also happy to clarify matters if possible, if they are within my remit.  However, I cannot repeatedly re-address the same point and I will not waste my time playing tit-for-tat with anyone who clearly believes that they already have all the answers and a monopoly on reason.Unfortunately, the risk of getting into endless debates on single issues, where website contributors are unprepared to accept the validity of the information provided,  is the primary reason why council officer contribution to these website forums is not currently encouraged.If you would like to email me or arrange to meet me I am happy to continue to address any remaining concerns you may have.I hope this clarifies the situation.CCF

Chris Calvi-Freeman ● 4847d

You'll be lucky to get a response from Chris as he has flounced off in a 'you'll have to email me personally. Despite starting this thread. There's accountability for you...

Keith Iddon ● 4847d

"Locking any contractor into a delivery schedule (over which they do not have full control of all factors) is practically impossible," Quite strange that in the private sector we have no problem locking contractors into delivery schedules. In fact it is a pre-requisite in most tender documents. Is it that these contractors see Councils a a soft touch?

Steve Taylor ● 4847d

He'd look even more stupid with a hat hard on. Sorry,hard hat on...

Keith Iddon ● 4847d

Never fear! Boris is on the job:http://www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/reportastreetfault/20568.aspxJL

Jim Linwood ● 4848d

The Victorian engineers and workers would be laughing at this lot if they could only see them.

Keith Iddon ● 4848d

That's what we used to call the Oh F! factor,10% added to the cost of a project to cover un4seens.

Tony Wood ● 4848d

Suggest 'truth realism' may be better.

Keith Iddon ● 4848d

Keith“Optimism bias” is an accepted term to describe a common situation wherein, in hindsight, insufficient allowance has been made for the risk that something will disrupt the process or increase its cost.  The engineers and contractors do of course attempt to build in a reasonable allowance for delays but, as I said in my previous posting, there are many parties involved and delays can unfortunately occur.  Unlike building another car on a production line, every highway scheme is unique.  Locking any contractor into a delivery schedule (over which they do not have full control of all factors) is practically impossible, and the contractor would need to build in a huge financial margin to safeguard against this risk.  I believe this is a very good scheme and users of this stretch of High Street will benefit for decades to come.  I’m sorry that I cannot continue to debate this matter on this website.  If you wish to continue the discussion and/or suggest ways of doing things better then you are of course welcome to email me.CCF

Chris Calvi-Freeman ● 4848d

I'll bet that if there was aclause in these contracts saying that any delay above a week would result in a council tax rebate of say £10 to every council tax payer within 2miles of the roadworks, LBH would miraculously be able to get things done on time. Just a thought.Oh, by the way you saying that optimism and bias is involved in your planning comes across as a bit crass and flippant and as if we're being fobbed off because you can't come up with anything better. imo. Well,can we have realism in the light of experience instead please? Or has LBH not learned anything from the miserable experience of virtually constant roadworks in Brentford. How much does it actually listen to people?

Keith Iddon ● 4848d

Good question Keith.  A combination of optimism bias and small delays caused by issues such as waiting for statutory utility companies to arrive when they have agreed to.  There are a surprisingly large number of separate parties involved in street improvement schemes - it only takes one to be delayed (perhaps due to more urgent work suddenly cropping up elsewhere) for the whole process to be delayed.

Chris Calvi-Freeman ● 4848d

Thanks for the reply Chris but why it is 'several weeks behind schedule' is not explained. I have driven past at various time and there have rarely been any men there. Are there any sanctions against companies who do this as it is genuinely cheesing us all off that every time there are roadworks they seem to go on for ages and to over run their schedule. Why do you keep employing these companies?

Keith Iddon ● 4848d

KeithYes, the works are running several weeks behind schedule and I have asked the contractor whether it is possible to engage more resources to get them finished ASAP.  The recent wet weather accounted for a few days’ delay.  There was, coincidentally, an electricity mains fault opposite Morrison’s last week, which caused some disruption, as the road narrows at that point, but the electricity contractors were doing a good job of keeping the traffic flowing on the three occasions that I visited the site while they were there.There are practical limitations to the number of workers who can be on sites such as these.  Too many men, diggers and lorries are simply inconsistent with keeping the traffic flowing.The Council’s contractors are on site 6 days/week.  I’m not sure why you never seem to see them, but I call in regularly en route to work to assess progress.  The work isn’t far off completion now – all the time-consuming relocations of buried utility services have been completed and there is now just some remaining kerb work at Fat Boys and the Pump Alley junction, plus installation of the two small pedestrian refuges (adjacent to the County Court and Morrison’s car park) to be installed.  The standard of the work to date has been very high. The resurfacing contractors will then return to site and complete this last section of carriageway and the whole stretch from Ealing Road to Pump Alley will then be “cycle superhighway ready” with just the blue surface to be installed in 2013 or 2014, plus we will now have improved crossings across High Street and the side roads due to the extra refuge and the raised entry treatments.Chris Calvi-FreemanHead of TransportLondon Borough of Hounslow

Chris Calvi-Freeman ● 4848d

"Anyone at LBH actually give a toss about road users,motorist or cyclist."Nope

Steve Taylor ● 4848d

Anyone, Chris perhaps. know when the road works from Fat Boys to half acre are going to be completed? I know it's been raining but even at the times when it is not there is never any activity.Anyone actually know what the workmen are doing,or in this case not doing,that could warrant this type of unacceptable disruption. Anyone at LBH actually give a toss about road users,motorist or cyclist.It is now way past the proposed completion of this work.I was going to stop in my car and give the blokes working on it a long service medal,but there are never any blokes working on it.I have thought of what to do with the medal and where to stick it tho'

Keith Iddon ● 4848d

"I might go to work on Saturday in reflective PVC"Me too. It could be the new uniform :)

Claire Peleschka ● 4890d

I might go to work on Saturday in reflective PVC

Richard Smith ● 4890d

Oh you poor thing..being held up on your journey by things like pedestrian lights.Whatever next ?

Keith Iddon ● 4892d

Surely where there is no cycle path you should use the road in accordance with the highway code?

Keith Iddon ● 4892d

On checking the cycle route map, it looks as if I am supposed to keep using the pavement (presumably shared use - though I can't remember seeing any signs) all the way up to the St. Margarets roundabout. And then I guess I am supposed to use the light controlled crossings in two or three stages to get to my right turn to Isleworth.....

Tim Henderson ● 4892d

Good for you Tim and so you should use the road.But asking about no dropped kerb especially for you is a bit like a pedestrian asking how they cross the road if the there is no zebra crossing.You get back onto the road by using your initiative and by cycling to  suit road  conditions and with due regard to your safety and to the safety of all others.

Keith Iddon ● 4892d

Yes I do use the road - but I wonder what the designer's idea was when the off-road cycle path peters out and there is no dropped kerb to lead me back onto the road ?

Tim Henderson ● 4892d

Maybe you will have to compromise Tim and use the road.  In a way that accords with the highway code like the rest of us I hope.

Keith Iddon ● 4892d

In my case, whether I use the "lanes specially set aside for my use" depends on whether the lanes are safe and fit for purpose. Hounslow's recent efforts have been good - but there are still quite a few bits from years back which I would avoid. The  eastbound track on the north side of the A4 from Gunnersbury Park to Chiswick Roundabout is dire. Some bits of the A316 are great - some are problematic. I still don't know how what is supposed to happen to the west-bound track on the south side of the A316 after I have crossed over the river bridge and want to turn right to Isleworth. Is the pavement shared ? I usually bump down the kerb onto the A316, stay left until there is a break in traffic and then shoot out into the extreme right of the outside lane to turn right at the roundabout.Managing the Kew Bridge junction on the superhighway is going to be another tricky one - how do you get east-bound cyclists heading to Brentford across the flow of cars heading over Kew Bridge ?

Tim Henderson ● 4892d

I'm sorely tempted to just hit the next one I find going the wrong way down the one way road that my son's school is on. Every frickin morning but because they're on a bike and covered head to toe in reflective PVC they seem to think it's ok. I encountered one last week doing this that actually had a small child on the back. Unfortunately, so many are convinced that by virtue of being on 2 wheels they can do no wrong and the Highway Code is of no significance to them. Should this woman get hit and her child injured I have no doubt in her mind it would all be the evil driver's fault. Otherwise she wouldn't be taking the ridiculous risk in the first place.

Claire Peleschka ● 4893d

Have you tried a catapult Vanessa?

Keith Iddon ● 4893d

If the roads frighten you Cory you need to take a cycling proficienct course but it is not on to cycle on the footpath.The clue is in the name. A pedestrian is unlikely to hit you at speed.They are walking at walking pace.I have seen cyclists riding at pace on footpaths.Agreed there should be more cycle paths.

Keith Iddon ● 4893d

Leaving George Michael out of it - I walk down the towpath between Richmond Lock and Twickenham almost daily, cyclists do not give any warning when they are approaching from behind, you have to rely on the swish of tyres to know they're coming. You then have to guess which side they will attack so you can get out of the way. Some of them go like bats out of hell, these areas are heavily used by people going to work and taking their kids to school as well as people walking dogs, all that is needed is a little bit of consideration

Vanessa Smith ● 4893d

Please don't tar us all with the same brush. I consider myself a considerate and competent cyclist.  It is my main form of transport and I wear a helmet and all the high vis clothing.  I don't, however, like cycling on the roads, they frighten me.  This does not mean I cycle on pavements.  I am actually fortunate enough to have a cycle track 98% of my journey to work.  It really makes me cross though when this cycle track becomes rather congested with inconsiderate pedestrians who would rather walk on the cycle track than the clear pavement running along it!

Cory Peeks ● 4893d

When was he last in Brentford?

Keith Iddon ● 4893d

George Michael

Richard Smith ● 4893d

Show me a reckless driver who drives on the pavement.

Keith Iddon ● 4893d

There are reckless cyclists and reckless car drivers.One is more dangerous than the other, hence the lack of focus in targeting cyclists going through red lights, etcIf more people cycled instead of getting in their cars the area would be a healthier, quieter, less polluted and cheaper place. There would also be less roadworks, I think...

Richard Smith ● 4893d

SArah,Cyclists are supposed to cycle in accordance with the highway code and the pavement is not part of the highway.Rarely do they give way to pedestrians on the pavement and quite often give the finger because they can cycle away.If they are not proficient enough to use a bike on  the road,they should get off and walk.If they are being reckless and knock someone over,they do not have a number plate so can't be held accountable.The turning left on red if safe should also be extended to motorists imo as it is in Australia.

Keith Iddon ● 4893d

Sorry, I do not agree with cyclists being fined for riding on the footpath unless they are being reckless, most footpaths are empty of pedestrians. On the tow path they should have a speed limit and plain old fashioned warning bells for pedestrians. I think the idea of cyclists being allowed to turn left though red lights when the road is clear is great. I declare an interest, in that I am a driver and a pedestrian. :-)

Sarah Felstead ● 4893d

I agree Keith the one thing cyclists don't use are the lanes especially set aside for their use, a lot of them would rather dice with death on the A316 - madness.

Vanessa Smith ● 4893d

Oh yeah,I forgot.I love the line 'At the conclusion of these works...'Chris,you may or may not have noticed but there is NEVER a conclusion to road works in Brentford.

Keith Iddon ● 4893d

Yes, it makes you wonder why they don't put more effort into prosecuting cyclists who use the pavement as we even have to give way to them on the roads as well.They would do better to spend the money on repairing potholes on residential streets.But that would be a bit too much like pandering to the motorist wouldn't it? The ones whose road tax and petrol tax pay for all these 'imporovements'in the first place.

Keith Iddon ● 4893d

So much trouble and expense for a few cyclists as most them use the pavement anywayWhat a waste of money

Paul Fisher ● 4893d

What marvellous news.

Keith Iddon ● 4893d