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2 data collection
2 DATA COLLECTION
2.1 Introduction
In order to carry out the Route Management Strategy, a detailed data collection exercise was undertaken. This involved establishing what data was available, and how it could be obtained. In conjunction with this it was felt that extra data was needed to compliment the existing data, and to enable the Route Performance Indicators to be more accurately produced.
The data has been grouped in accordance with each of the Government transport criteria.
2.2 Economy
Annual Average Daily Traffic flows (AADT) were obtained for each section of the route in each direction. Included with this data was the Peak Hour Flow, showing the busiest hour in each day, and the percentage of heavy goods, and passenger carrying vehicles.
In addition, extra data for journey time surveys to assess delays, and queuing at exit slip roads was collected during site surveys.
| Section AADT in both | directions |
|---|---|
| 1 | 37689 |
| 2 | 53075 |
| 3 | 63143 |
| Section | Slip | No. of Vehicles | Available Capacity of Slip Road |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eastbound Off | 23 | 118 |
| 1 | Westbound Off | 11 | 139 |
| 2 | Eastbound Off | 21 | 111 |
| 2 | Westbound Off | 23 | 104 |
| 3 | Westbound Off | 37 | 94 |
2.3 Safety
Accident data for the previous three years was obtained from Lancashire Constabulary. This enabled analysis of: number and location of accidents; occurrence during hours of darkness; and road conditions due to weather.
| Year | Section | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96 | 97 | 98 | 99 | 00 | 01 | |
| 1 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 8 | 8 | 1 |
| 2 | 12 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 11 | 2 |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
2.4 Environment
With regard to the environmental aspects of the route the following items were checked: National Parks, Environmentally Sensitive Areas, Sites of Specific Interest, Heritage Sites, and Public Rights of Way.
For the production of Performance Indicators evidence of a Biodiversity Action Plan and Landscape Management Plan was obtained.
Watercourses affected by the route were also identified, with details of the highway drainage outfalls taken into consideration.
2.5 Accessibility
Analysis of severance on the route was carried out during the Strategy period, with special regard to vehicular access and public footpaths crossing over or under the motorway.
2.6 Integration
Various forms of information were collected to assess the level of integration on the route, the most relevant being: evidence and quality of signing for transport mode interchanges, and tourist information; bus and coach routes; and location of any dedicated service areas.
