A consultation has been launched on plans to improve journeys for pedestrians, cyclists, road and rail users in Feltham.

People who live or work in Feltham are urged to have their say on the proposals for better traffic and transport into the town centre, as a result of Network Rail plans to carry out improvements at Feltham station.

The proposals were unveiled by Hounslow council and the rail operator on Wednesday November 18, and the consultation is set to run until Friday December 18.

As Network Rail has plans to roll out 10-car trains between Reading and Waterloo, providing extra room for passengers, platforms at Feltham station will need to be extended.

The preferred option is to close the dangerous level crossing on Bedfont Lane, which is heavily misused, and extend the platforms at this end of the station.

However this would have a major impact on traffic flow in and around the area and the council has proposed a number of changes to reduce any knock-on effect.

The second major change will involve removing the two existing footbridges; the existing Network Rail footbridge; and the footbridge into the town centre, and replacing them with a shared pedestrian and cycle footbridge over the railway to maintain access to The Centre shopping centre and both sides of Bedfont Lane.

Extent of proposals affected areas

Councillor Steve Curran, leader of Hounslow Council, said: “It is great that, if Network Rail does go ahead with its plans, it will mean more room for passengers and a much nicer environment for pedestrians and cyclists.

“But the devil is in the detail. We need to make sure the community is not split in two by the loss of the level crossing.

“That said, there is a chance to improve things for all road users and we hope we have addressed these concerns in these proposals.”

People living in roads directly affected by the plans including addresses in Bedfont Lane, New Road, Hounslow Road, Victoria Road and parts of the High Street, have been sent a detailed consultation pack.

Some of the changes listed in the consultation plans are:

  • Addition of traffic signals and controlled pedestrian crossings at the junction of New Road and Hounslow Road
  • New bus stops on Hounslow Road for routes 285 and 490 removing the need to loop via the bus interchange on New Road which will reduce journey times.
  • Widening of Hounslow Road on the approach to the Hanworth Road junction to provide an additional lane for left-turning traffic, reducing delays that would otherwise occur
  • Removal of the existing traffic signals at Bedfont Lane converting it to a give-way junction as a result of the much reduced traffic volumes using the southern end of Bedfont Lane following the level crossing closure.
  • Lengthening of bus lanes and inclusion of cycle lanes on both sides of High Street between the railway station and Browells Lane.

Network Rail scheme sponsor Paul Richmond said: “Our plans will not only improve safety for rail and road users but they will also improve the area for everyone.

"This level crossing is frequently misused, with people trespassing, racing the lights and putting themselves and others at risk.

“However, we recognise that closing the crossing is a major step and that is why we are consulting widely and working closely with Hounslow Council to provide an alternative that benefits the whole town.”

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A summary of the consultation feedback and the preferred design options will be taken to the Bedfont, Feltham and Hanworth Area Forum in January 2016.

Subject to approval by councillors at this meeting, construction work is expected to begin in spring 2016.

The level crossing would be closed and the new footbridge in place by May 2017.

You can submit your comments by completing the online questionnaire here

Visit www.hounslow.gov.uk/consultations for more information.

Public exhibitions with council staff will be held at Belvedere House community resource centre, Lemon Grove, Feltham, between 1pm and 8pm on:

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Thursday, December 3 2015