David A Graham Associates (DAGA) was commissioned by Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd, on behalf of Swindon Borough Council, to undertake an independent Stage 3 Road Safety Audit of the newly completed Southern Access Road serving the Wichelstowe Urban Extension. The audit assessed the safety of this major highway scheme, including new junctions, roundabouts and active travel infrastructure, prior to its adoption and operation.
Client: Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd / Swindon Borough Council
Location: Southern Access Road (M4 Corridor), Wichelstowe, Swindon, Wiltshire
Audit Date: 5th May 2022
Audit Type: Stage 3 Road Safety Audit
Standards Applied: GG119 (Design Manual for Roads and Bridges)
Focus Areas: Major Highway Infrastructure, Roundabouts, Active Travel Routes & M4 Corridor Access
The Southern Access Road forms a key strategic route linking the Wichelstowe Urban Extension with the wider highway network across the M4 corridor. The completed scheme included new roundabouts, pedestrian and cycle routes, and high-speed highway connections requiring a comprehensive independent safety assessment.
Key issues identified during the audit included:
Inconsistencies in dropped kerbs affecting accessibility.
Visibility of traffic signs on high-speed approaches.
Drainage issues creating standing water near pedestrian crossings.
Uneven road surface transitions affecting cyclists.
The need to improve lane guidance and road markings.
David A Graham Associates undertook detailed daytime and night-time inspections of the completed highway infrastructure, assessing the scheme from the perspective of motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users.
Following the audit, a detailed report was prepared containing practical engineering recommendations, including:
Improving dropped kerb profiles for accessible pedestrian routes.
Repositioning traffic signs to improve visibility.
Enhancing drainage to eliminate standing water.
Refining road markings to improve lane guidance.
Minor highway improvements to strengthen safety throughout the scheme.
The Road Safety Audit provided the client with an independent assessment of the completed infrastructure, identifying practical improvements before the highway entered full operation.
The recommendations enhanced safety, accessibility and usability across this strategically important route while supporting the successful delivery of the Wichelstowe Urban Extension.
Independent GG119 DMRB compliant Stage 3 Road Safety Audit.
Comprehensive daytime and night-time inspections.
Improved accessibility for pedestrians and wheelchair users.
Enhanced safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
Practical recommendations prior to highway adoption.
Supporting the successful delivery of a major strategic highway project.
David A Graham Associates can deliver bespoke Road Safety Audit training courses at your premises or at locations across the UK and internationally.
