Councils set up information events on A316 closure
To enable local residents and businesses to prepare for Rugby World Cup 2015 this autumn, Richmond Council, in partnership with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and England Rugby 2015, has announced a number of community events to provide the local community with details on the delivery plans to stage this major sporting event.
In order to ensure the most effective access and egress to Twickenham Stadium for the local community and spectators during Rugby World Cup 2015, Richmond Council has agreed in principle to a request from the Tournament Organisers to allow Transport for London (TfL) to temporarily close a section of the A316 close to the stadium on Rugby World Cup 2015 match days.
These proposals are subject to the agreement of a robust and deliverable traffic management plan.
The temporary closure would facilitate a new park and ride shuttle service from Kempton Park along with a shuttle bus service after each of the 10 matches direct to Waterloo in central London.
While the A316 would be temporarily closed on Rugby World Cup 2015 match days, managed access would be in place for local residents, businesses and emergency and urgent care professionals who require access to properties close to the stadium. Richmond Council and the Rugby World Cup organisers have committed to work with TfL and neighbouring borough Hounslow, to ensure that local residents and businesses, and affected general travellers are clearly informed of any plans and available alternative routes.
An extensive traffic study shows that traffic in Twickenham would be reduced or consistent with existing levels on match days when eastbound vehicles divert through the town to avoid traffic delays on the A316. The closure would also enable spectators to access and depart the stadium quickly and safely for each match with the new park and ride operation at Kempton Park, and Waterloo shuttle buses easing crowd pressures on Twickenham station, and local roads.
To ensure that local residents and businesses are informed and understand the details of the closure and what this means to them, as well as the wider impact of the Tournament on the borough, a series of local briefings have been organised in key areas. Representatives from the Council, the RFU, England Rugby 2015, TfL and local police will be in attendance
Details on the temporary closure and managed access will be made available at the briefings, along with details on possibly trialling the arrangements at the RFU’s QBE International matches (England v France 15/08 and England v Ireland 05/09) .
The briefings are:
BUSINESS BRIEFINGS:
• 27 February 8:30am – 10am in York House, The Salon, TW1 3AA
• 3 March 8:30 – 10am, York House, The Salon, TW1 3AA
RESIDENT BRIEFINGS:
• Chasebridge Primary School in Whitton: 5 March from 6.30- 8.30pm
• Turk’s Head in St Margarets: 9 March from 6.30- 8.30pm
• Clarendon Hall in Twickenham: 17 March from 6.30- 8.30pm
• Richmond Adult Community College: 23 March from 6.30- 8.30pm
RSVP online at: www.richmond.gov.uk/rugby_world_cup
Cllr Sachin Gupta, cabinet member for public health and leisure, Hounslow Council said:“We want Rugby World Cup 2015 to be a success and for visitors to Hounslow to have a memorable time. However, we are also aware that the tournament is inevitably going to have an impact on our local roads and public transport.
“Temporary closure of the A316, sounds a major step. This is the first round of public briefings, to help local residents and businesses understand not just about the road closures, but also what else will be happening doing during the tournament."
Details of briefings in LB Hounslow will be confirmed shortly.
January 27th, 2015