Chapter 3 Transportation
3.1 Aim, Context and Strategy
3.2 GTPS
3.3 Land Use and Transportation
3.4 Integrated Transport Plan
3.5 Specific Objectives
Aim
To provide for an integrated sustainable transport system that eases movement to and within the city and which facilitates access to a range of transport modes. To integrate land use and transportation in order to ensure the most efficient and sustainable use of land and transportation systems.
Context
The Galway area has experienced strong economic and population growth, which has enhanced the prosperity of the city. This growth has not been without costs. We now have longer journey times to jobs and services, underdevelopment and erosion of public transport, unequal access to jobs and services for those without access to a car and unacceptable levels of congestion. As growth has generated greater employment opportunities in the city, a significant travel to work pattern of up to 30km radius out from the city has developed. These commuting patterns are noted in the 2002 population census and are distinctive nationally only to the cities of Galway and Dublin, (see Fig 3.1). As the development of public transport has not kept pace with increased economic development, most of the commuting is carried out by car which has resulted in traffic congestion on the approach roads to and within Galway City. Without a structured policy on settlement and transport there will be an almost total reliance on the private car for transportation which is unsustainable.
Lack of co-ordination between land uses and transportation have increased travel journeys and contributed to congestion in the city. While it is recognised that improvements have been made in the provision of public transport, there are opportunities for more improvements and more critically opportunities to develop an overall integrated approach to the provision of transport facilities.
Fig 3.1 Distance travelled to work from each ED (percentage travelling 20 miles or more to work)
Source: Census of Population 2002
The National Sustainable Strategy for Ireland, 1997,DOEHLG and the National Spatial Strategy, 2002,DOEHLG both emphasise the importance of co-ordinating transportation and land use planning. The Council also considers this to be a strategic aim of this development plan. This aim has consequently provided the framework that links the land use policies with those for transportation.
In response to the increased growth of the Galway area and the associated negative impacts on the quality of life and on the environment, Galway City Council and Galway County Council commissioned the Galway Transport and Planning Study. The GTPS was adopted in November 2003, it sets out the spatial planning and transportation strategy for the future of the GTPS area. This strategic approach is in line with national policy on the creation of sustainable development. The aim of the GTPS is to:
• Enhance and maintain prosperity within the region,
• Minimise the cost of growth,
• Strengthen the relationship between City and County and
• Support the overall vision for balanced regional development across Ireland and create some of the key conditions through which it can be achieved.
The GTPS provides a settlement strategy which promotes a balanced regional settlement pattern through a more structured dispersal of population. The strategy for Galway City is to continue to be the regional growth centre and includes for a major new self-sustaining community in the Ardaun corridor. This corridor spans between the city and the county area. The settlement strategy also promotes development in the main centres outside Galway City. Without this settlement strategy, in particular Ardaun, city growth would put additional pressures on roads, public transport, infrastructure and other key services. There would also be continued unacceptable pressures for development in the countryside which would reinforce the current unsustainable commuting patterns. The transportation strategy contained in the GTPS has been designed around this settlement strategy. Its primary aim is to reduce congestion and provide a greater ease of movement around and to the GTPS area, primarily through providing multi-modal choice of travel.
It is acknowledged that delivery of some of the public transport services is outside the jurisdiction of the Council and that there will be a need for support from government departments. However the Council, by adopting the recommendations in the GTPS, through promotion and/or implementation of these measures can facilitate and contribute to the provision of an integrated sustainable transport system that eases movement to and within the city and which facilitates access to a range of transport modes.
Strategy
• Co-ordinate an integrated transport system for the city and environs in conjunction with service providers, Galway County Council and other relevant agencies.
• Support the settlement and transportation strategy as recommended in the GTPS.
• Encourage sustainable patterns through the integration of land use with transportation needs.
The aim of the GTPS, originally completed in 1999 and subsequently revised, is to establish a development framework in land use and transportation terms for Galway City and Environs (see Fig 1.1, Chapter 1). This development framework is aimed at supporting and facilitating dynamic and sustainable economic, social
and physical development.
The GTPS provides for a growth strategy which also promotes a balanced regional settlement pattern through a more structured dispersal of population. As detailed in Chapter 1, the strategy for Galway City is to continue to be the regional growth centre. It also includes for the Ardaun Corridor, which is a concentration of development into a self-sustaining corridor, where opportunities for achieving mix of uses will be maximised in order to contain journeys and travel. The concentrated nature of development in this corridor would facilitate the development of a viable public transport system.
The transportation strategy in the GTPS has been designed around this settlement strategy. It recommends strategic measures to improve public transportation including bus and rail, road accessibility and supporting facilities such as park and ride.
It recommends improving public transport at every level in order to address national accessibility to and from the GTPS area, public transport within the area and contribute to the reduction of traffic congestion within Galway City. It also recommends a specific dedicated public bus service for the Ardaun Corridor which would serve the anticipated population of 18,000 (city and county) and also link in with the existing city bus network.
The strategy supports investment in the whole road network. This would greatly enhance the competitiveness of the GTPS area through reducing the peripherality of Galway relative to Dublin and the Southern and Eastern region. The GTPS endorses the current planned road investment program for the area. Accessibility to the regions will be improved greatly through the development of the new N6 linking Galway with Dublin and the eastern national road network, in addition to the development of the N17 and N18 north-south links. It also recognises that the proposed Galway City Outer Bypass will increase accessibility into the city and improve the performance of the inner city radial network.
The strategy recommends improvements in the national public transport system. It recommends improvements in main line rail service from Galway to Dublin, investigation into the potential Western Rail Corridor linking from Sligo-Galway-Limerick-Cork and the development and consolidation of Inter-City Expressway services. The strategy also recommends further investigation into the feasibility of a light rail study and investigation into the potential for an ‘Arrow’ rail service between Athlone/Galway with a possible extension serving Athenry/Tuam.
To encourage further reduction in car based commuting to Galway and thereby reducing traffic congestion with Galway City, the transportation strategy recommends the provision of cheap, frequent and more convenient public transport services than those currently available. The recommendations for commuter use of public transport include development of an improved fixed bus route service that is able to offer hourly/half hourly weekday services to Galway City from the settlements within the GTPS area.
In order to address traffic generated within the Galway City the strategy recommends continued improvement in the urban bus network by Bus Eireann and private operators. To reduce bus trip times the strategy recommends the consideration and implementation of the measures recommended in the Galway City Bus Study. The potential for park and ride facilities in conjunction with the proposed N6, the Galway City Outer By - pass is also identified as a means to reduce traffic trips into the city. In order to encourage usage of public transport the strategy recommends further development and implementation of city center car parking controls. The strategy also recommends improved bus stop facilities, development of a new bus station at Ceannt Station (which is a specific objective in the plan) and the relocation of the current bus garage, this latter recommendation has the benefit of planning permission.
The GTPS recognises that the Ardaun Corridor will provide the opportunity for designated public transport services that will be fully integrated into the design and location of housing, employment and services and that will integrate with the urban bus network. It is the aim of the strategy, through effective urban design, that every house within the Ardaun Corridor will be within 300 metres from a bus stop. It is also recommended that a network of cycleways will link housing to jobs, shops and schools.
The Council has adopted the GTPS and has made provisions where possible for the strategic transportation recommendations measures in the development plan.
Policy no. 3.2 GTPS
• Facilitate and implement, where appropriate, the recommendations of GTPS transportation strategy.
• Co-ordinate with the service providers, other agencies and Galway County Council in the implementation of the GTPS transportation strategy.
3.3 Land Use and Transportation
Closer co-ordination between transport and land use is essential for the future development of the city. The 1999 City Development Plan encouraged a more integrated approach to land use and transportation. An integrated approach between land use and transport is essential in creating sustainable places to live, work and visit and it plays a major role in the reduction of traffic congestion. The integration of land use and transport can reduce the length and number of journeys by private car, can provide opportunities for alternative means of travel including public transport, walking and cycling and can reduce adverse environmental effects of car transport by reducing the reliance on the private car.
The integration of land use and transportation is a strategic aim of the development plan. The Council aims to achieve this through a number of policies and objectives relating to transport, housing, the city centre, employment and recreation.
To further ensure the integration of land use and transport, local area plans will be prepared by the Council which will provide a framework for mixed-use development in conjunction with a transport strategy in particular for the area of Ardaun.
Through the development of residential neighbourhoods, the Council encourages the creation of living environments where the reliance on private transport is reduced and services are provided locally. To generate a demand for public transport, the Council will promote the use of higher densities for locations adjacent to public transport routes, subject to high amenity standards being achieved. In accordance with the retail strategy the Council will encourage neighbourhood centers which will provide shopping facilities near the market it serves. This will contribute to the reduction of the need to travel for services.
Policy no. 3.3 Land Use and Transportation
• Promote closer co-ordination between land use and transportation through zoning objectives.
• Encourage higher residential densities in co-ordination with improved transport systems.
• Develop residential neighbourhoods served by public transport.
• Provide for development of district centres and local centres to reduce traffic trips.
• Prepare local area plans, which will give detailed direction to include for the integration of land use and transportation provision.
3.4 Integrated Transportation Plan / Progress in GTPS
It is acknowledged that the GTPS transportation strategy does not provide for specific transportation policies for the city area. In the absence of this the Council will prepare a integrated transport plan for the specific transport needs of the city. This plan will support and complement the strategic planning framework of the GTPS, it will build on and develop the recommendations in the GTPS strategy.
It is anticipated that the same sustainable policy principles that governed the GTPS strategy will be supported in this plan. That is the need to improve accessibility and reduce congestion, reduce growth in the demand for transport, especially private transport, reduce the need for car commuting by improving the quality of public transport, promote cycling and walking as safe sustainable and healthy means of transport.
The plan will also have the objective of achieving a more integrated and managed approach to transportation in the city. This will encourage modal shift from car journeys to public transport, walking and cycling. It is anticipated that the plan will be cognisant of current travel patterns, future growth areas and the existing transportation infrastructure and that measures to achieve an integrated transportation network for Galway City will be based on optimising the use of the existing infrastructure in conjunction with the introduction of measures which are both viable and likely to attract an adequate level of funding.
It is considered that the delivery of this plan will be best served if it is co-ordinated through the GCDB, in particular the Integrated Transportation Co-ordinating Group, who are already tasked with similar concerns. The Council will remain the lead partner. It is acknowledged that such a plan represents a significant transportation challenge for the city and will require the support of all relevant government departments, in addition to transport service providers and Galway County Council.
It is anticipated that work will commence on the integrated transportation plan for the city following adoption of the development plan and will include for public consultation. This plan will ultimately facilitate the GCDB’s aim which is achievement of an accessible environment for all citizens.
In the interim the Council will pursue the implementation of measures contained in the GTPS transport strategy. It is recognised that improvements have been made in the transportation system of the city and that some of the recommendations of the GTPS transport strategy have commenced. Proposed improvement measures which will contribute to the implementation of the strategic recommendations are as follows:
Roads: Due to the growth in the city and the consequent increase in the demand for travel in conjunction with the rise in car ownership, the road network in the city has come under increased pressure. A properly managed road network is essential for the balanced movement of pedestrians, wheelchair users, cyclists, pubic transport and goods. The Council will facilitate the development of the Galway City Outer By-pass and will continue to undertake a series of road improvements in the city.
Arising from the GTPS recommendations and Galway’s designation as a regional ‘gateway’ in the National Development Plan, a new outer by-pass for the city is being designed by Galway County Council under Section 85 agreement with Galway City Council as part of the NRA’s national roads programme within the NDPG. The compulsory purchase procedures for acquisition of lands required for the by-pass route commenced in Autumn 2004.The development plan recognises the strategic importance of this route and has reserved lands in the city for the construction of this route. This route includes for a new bridge crossing of the River Corrib and for a link from the Western Approach Road onto the western section of the route. It also includes for revisions to the alignment of and links with the existing road network. Galway City Council in conjunction with the NRA are also investigating a possible link from the proposed Ballindooley interchange with the Eastern Approach Road between the Kirwan and Ffront Roundabouts, the Council will consider the ultimate line of this route and facilitate this road if required.
The City’s existing traffic congestion needs to be examined and optimum use made of all road infrastructure within the city. In this regard the Council commissioned consultants to carry out a traffic management study on National Routes in Galway City.The objectives of the study were to:
• maximise the use of intersections,
• improve pedestrian facilities at roundabouts and key locations,
• examine the adequacy and clarity of the existing signage,
• review existing speed limits on all National Primary Routes within the city,
• improve and extend cycle lanes and to examine cycle crossing facilities at roundabouts.
The Council in conjunction with the NRA will undertake a series of improvements to the National Primary Routes as a consequence of this study. The Council proposes further studies on nonnational roads within the city, which will have similar objectives to the study on national routes.
To reduce traffic congestion in the city and to reduce traffic hazards, the Council will continue its programme of road improvements as listed in the specific objectives section of this chapter.
Traffic Calming: In the last 20 years the layout of residential developments have generally been designed around a system of roads and not of places. Strict road standards have led to inflexible residential layouts with roads dominating and a lack of linkages. This has not provided for safe places for people to walk or cycle and has contributed to dependence on the car. The design of new development should be based on a network of spaces rather than a hierarchy of roads. If considered at the design stage, safer and less dominant traffic movement through residential areas can be achieved. Through design guidelines and development control standards the Council will seek to achieve a safer and more balanced approach to car movement within residential areas, see (Chapter 11). To contribute to this, the Council will encourage the use of ‘home zones’ in new residential development, (see Chapter 2).
The Council, with regard to the Traffic Management Guidelines, 2003, DOEHLG, will also carry out a series of traffic calming measures and parking controls in the city’s established residential areas in order to create safer and more attractive residential areas and to reduce rat running, (see Chapter 2).
Parking: The GTPS indicated that the city centre had a sufficient amount of car parking to meet demand. Therefore, in order to encourage the use of public transport, reduce commuter parking and to ensure sustainable land use, the Council will not encourage or provide new car parking within the city centre area while retaining the current 80 spaces available to the public at Market Street in addition to any requirements generated by residential / commercial development of the site. Exceptions to this are the Ceannt Station and Fairgreen sites, where parking would serve a transportation hub and a substantial extension to the city centre and the Dyke Road where a multistory car park would replace existing surface car parking and serve potential additional commercial development. These parking facilities will only be considered as part of an overall development scheme. In addition due to a deficit of car parking facilities relative to the rest of the city centre and to reduce city centre traffic congestion, consideration will be given to a long-term carpark in the west side of the city centre.
To discourage commuter parking, the Council will continue to implement pay and display in areas where commuter parking is prevalent, subject to consultation with local residents.
In order to reduce the amount of traffic trips and to ensure the efficient use of land in areas outside the city centre, the Council will encourage a flexible approach to car parking requirements for new developments. Where a development serves a local need and the location is well supplied with public transport or other transport modes, a reduction in car parking requirements may be considered sustainable and acceptable. Conversely car-parking provision above the specified requirements for developments as outlined in Chapter 11 will be limited unless a convincing case for demand can be made.
At present there is a deficit of dedicated motorcycle parking in the city centre. The Council will provide for motorcycle parking at key locations in the city as indicated in the specific objectives.
Rail: The recently published Strategic Rail Review (SRR) sets out a strategic policy framework for the future development of the rail passenger and rail freight sectors in Ireland. The SRR recommends a total capital investment of 407million in the Galway to Dublin line in the period up to 2022. Improvements in the service have already occurred with the introduction of additional services and reduction in journey time. The Council supports improvements in this service.
The SRR examined and evaluated the possibility of Cork-Galway (via Limerick) rail link the development of which would support the recommendations of the GTPS and the NSS policy of interlinking cities in order to create development corridors that could compete with the Greater Dublin Area. The SRR evaluation considered that the current population densities along this route would have difficulties supporting a viable and effective rail service. The Council consider that with the support of effective regional policies, settlement patterns will evolve that will render this route viable. In this regard the Council will support the development of such a rail link and consider that it would contribute significantly to the development of the West region.
As per the recommendations of the GTPS the Council will encourage the possibility of commuter services from Athenry to Galway. In this regard the Council will reserve land for a possible commuter rail stop at Murroogh, which will facilitate the potential of inter-modal links at this point (road, bus). The Council will also facilitate rail stops where feasible and viable to serve Rosshill and Renmore in the context of a commuter service.
Bus: The Council and Bus Eireann commissioned consultants to carry out the Galway City Bus Study, in 2002.The study makes recommendations with regard to the existing bus services in Galway with the aim of improving the existing efficiency and reliability of the bus service. In order to improve bus journey times the Council in conjunction with Bus Eireann, subject to funding, will implement the recommendations of the Galway City Bus Study. Funding has been received for the implementation of one of these measures, the development of a quality bus lane between the Renmore Road and the Skerritt Roundabout.
The Eyre Square redevelopment includes for a more efficient bus interchange and the revisions to traffic flow will also improve journey times. To facilitate ease of access to the city, to encourage the potential for park and ride and to contribute to modal choice for the eastern residential neighbourhoods, land has been reserved along the Galway to Dublin railway line for the development of a quality bus corridor. Specific objectives for the provision of a quality bus corridor and bus priority measures are proposed from Ardaun to the city centre along the Dublin Road and with linkages to the Murroogh lands.
The number of private bus operators in the city has escalated in recent years. To accommodate this, the Council is facilitating the development of a bus station for inter-city and tourist services at Bothar na Pairc Aonaigh, opposite the Tourist Office. In addition the Council require that in any major redevelopment of the Ceannt Station area a transport interchange hub will be provided. It is envisaged that this will accommodate additional inter-city bus services with associated inter-city bus commuter car parking which will also serve rail passengers.
The recent introduction of localised private bus services in the city provide a valuable service for outer suburbs. The Council recognises the expanding demand for these services and will facilitate them services where appropriate through infrastructural investment and policies relating to access in/near housing developments.
Cycling and Pedestrians: During the period of the last development plan the number of cyclists using the City’s roads did not increase significantly notwithstanding the provision of some cycle lanes and cycle parking facilities. Acknowledging this fact the Council is committed to addressing this issue by the adoption of proven methods to make cycling safer and more convenient. The Council will also encourage cycling through the provision of appropriate and varied cycling facilities at appropriate public locations. As part of the proposed Integrated Transportation Plan for the city as discussed earlier a cycling network for the city, will be recommended, this would provide safe routes to places of employment, schools, city centre and other facilities. Pending implementation of this network and funds permitting the Council will carry out the recommendations of the Traffic Management Study on National Routes in relation to cycling provision and will also carry out the specific objectives relating to cycling as listed in this chapter. The Council will also encourage cycling through the provision of cycle parking at appropriate public locations and by requiring developments, where appropriate, to provide cycle parking facilities. In addition the Council recognises the difficulties posed by roundabouts for cyclists and pedestrians and is committed to addressing this issue by taking whatever appropriate steps are necessary.
Pedestrianisation of a number of key streets in the city centre has taken place since the period of the last development plan. This has improved the ease of pedestrian movement and increased the vitality of the city centre. Through the proposed integrated transport plan for the city the Council will identify further areas in the city that would be suitable for pedestrianisation. This is in addition to the objectives for specific walkways (greenways) identified in Chapter 4.
Park and Ride: Park and Ride facilities, if attractive, can reduce the amount of commuter traffic entering into the city and thus contribute to a reduction in traffic congestion. An opportunity exists for the provision of park and ride facilities associated with the Galway City Outer By-pass and proposed bus priority measures. In addition the Council will investigate the provision of a pilot park and ride facility at Oranmore on Council owned lands and on a site serving the westside of the City. The Council will also work in conjunction with Galway County Council, service providers and the NRA in the provision of additional park and ride facilities.
Policy no. 3.4 Integrated Transportation Plan
• Provide for the future development of the GTPS transportation strategy through an integrated transportation plan for the city.
• Encourage the development of a viable public transport system and reduce car dependency.
• Promote and facilitate rail transport and make provision for the integration of rail with other transport modes.
• Reserve strategic transport corridors in the interest of long term transport plans.
• Promote and facilitate safe and convenient walking and cycling routes through land use policy specific objectives and guidelines.
• Promote the provision of park and ride facilities in conjunction with Galway County Council, service providers Government Departments and the NRA.
• Promote and facilitate safe and convenient cycle access via the existing road network.
General:
• Prepare an integrated transportation plan for the city in conjunction with the public transport service providers, the NRA, GCDB and the Galway County Council.
• Implement the recommendations of the Traffic Management on National Routes Study in conjunction with the NRA.
• Implement the recommendations of the Galway City Bus Study in conjunction with Bus Eireann.
• Provide for a bus terminus for Inter City Tour Buses on Bothar na Pairc Aonaigh.
• Provide for bus lanes on Seamus Quirke Road from the Browne roundabout at Corrib Park to the Western Distributor Road following completion of the road widening proposals.
• Require a bus station on Iarnrod Eireann lands in the vicinity of Ceannt Station.
• Introduce a traffic management strategy in the City Traffic Communication network utilising an Adaptive Urban Traffic Control System.
• Development of a co-ordinated strategy for taxis and hackneys in the City.
• Reserve land for possible commuter rail stop on lands at Murroogh and to explore the possibility of rail stops at Rosshill and Renmore.
• Implement a series of traffic calming measures in conjunction with local residents
• Provide for a quality bus corridor linking Doughiska with the Dublin Road.
• Provide for a quality bus corridor parallel with the rail line from Renmore Barracks to the eastern city boundary.
• Provide for specific bus priority measures on the Dublin Road.
• Investigate the possibility of providing for a park and ride facility on Council owned lands at Oranmore.
• Provide and/or facilitate Park and Ride facilities at appropriate locations in the city as a priority.
• Provide for a city-wide bus lane, where feasible, that links Oranmore to Knocknacara/Barna via Parkmore, GMIT, Ballybrit, Liosban, Galway Shopping Centre, NUI Galway, University College Hospital and the Seamus Quirke Road.
• Support the improvement of access for public transport, pedestrian and cyclist and traffic management to and within the NUIG campus, where these are compatible with the objectives of the development plan and traffic safety requirements and contribute to the provision of on site public transport facilities.
Pedestrian Ways.
• Construction of a new pedestrian bridge from Gaol Road to Bowling Green.
• Construction of a new pedestrian bridge on the piers of the Old Clifden Railway Line from Waterside to the lands of N.U.I. Galway and to allow for use of bridge for cyclists if feasible.
• Construction of new pedestrian bridge adjacent to Salmon Weir Bridge.
Safe Cycling
• Provision of a cycle way between the Railway Station and Renmore on the Iarnrod Eireann owned private lands.
• Provision of a cycle way beside the railway line from Renmore/Ballyloughaun to Roscam Park and Curragrean in conjunction with Quality Bus Corridor.
• Provision of a cycle route along the banks of the canal from N.U.I.G. to Dominick Street.
• Provision of marked hard shoulders of minimum width of 2 metres, where feasible subject to DOEHLG and NRA guidelines throughout the road network and the provision of same also in relation to new road proposals.
• Provision of a cycle way along the Terryland River Valley from the Headford Road to Castlegar.
• Provision of a cycle way along the Dyke Road, Castlegar Road and Doughiska Road.
• In future planning and design of road infrastructure, cyclists will be provided with crossing points where feasible, particularly where the alternative requires U-turns via roundabouts, subject to roads standards, safety and legal requirements
Cycle Parking:
• Provision of cycle parking facilities at:
- Market Street.
- Woodquay.
- Dyke Road
- Buttermilk Walk.
- Bowling Green.
- O’Brien's Bridge.
- Iarnrod Eireann lands at the Railway Station.
- Eyre Square.
- Mainguard Street.
Motorcycling Parking:
• Provision of motorcycle parking facilities at:
- Link road connecting Dock Road with Merchants Road Lower
- Corner of Abbeygate Street and Bowling Green.
- Site of Dyke Road car park.
- Raven Terrace.
Road Widening & Improvements:
• To reserve lands for the construction of the N6 Galway City Outer By-Pass including for a new bridge crossing of the River Corrib, link from the Western Distributor Road and also to include for some revisions to the alignment of and links with the existing road network as a result of these works.
• Widening of Seamus Quirke Road to 4 lanes to include provision of bus lanes on Seamus Quirke Road from the Browne roundabout at Corrib Park to the Western Distributor Road.
• Upgrading of the Tuam Road (N17) from the Ffont roundabout with Eastern Approach Road to the city boundary.
• Widening and improvements on the Coolagh Road, Quarry Road and Monument Road.
• To continue improvement works on the following roads:
- Castlegar Road (Tuam Road to Ballindooley Cross).
- Dyke Road.
- Clybaun Road.
- Ballymoneen Road.
- Headford Road
- Cappagh Road.
- Letteragh Road.
- Rahoon Road from cemetery westwards to borough boundary.
- Doughiska Road.
• New access to Merlin Park Hospital from the Dublin Road at Galway Crystal.
• Road widening and improvements at Bothar na gCoiste.
• Investigate and respond to required improvements in the roads infrastructure of the village envelopes as part of the Annual Roads Works Programme.