Motorway Facilities. Proposed location for motorway services areas and maintenance centres The design, presented on plan layouts within Volume 2.1 of the Feasibility Study, do not include the proposed locations for the service areas and maintenance centres. The location of these services is, however, presented on the drawings included within Volume 2.4 of the Feasibility Study. These drawings show an outline shape of the proposed service or maintenance areas without any detail relating to the earthworks interface. This implies that the earthworks quantities related to these works and the area of land to be acquired, may have underestimated in the existing design. The design does include typical layouts for such service areas. The proposals for motorway services are included within Volume 2.4 of the Feasibility Study. Thus the proposals for motorways services and rest areas are: • Service area type S1 ch 6+700. This service area is situated in close proximity to two structures and also close to the Talmaciu grade separated junction. It is envisaged that diverge and merge tapers for the junction and the service area will overlap and as a result, it is recommended that an alternative location for this area is identified. It is noted that the design does not include a 3D model of the service area, which implies that the earthworks, as well as other potential works, were not accurately captured as part of the design. • Short Stay Parking area ch 25+500. This parking area is situated in an area of difficult terrain constraints and is limited by two structures either side. It is also in close proximity to the Caineni tunnel. It is noted that the design does not include a 3D model of the service area, which implies that the earthworks, as well as other potential works, were not accurately captured as part of the design. The length of diverge and merge tapers will extend over the bridge which would require the provision of a wider bridge deck. It appears, such aspects have not been considered in the design. Also, the distance between the twin tunnels is specified as 20m. This would require bifurcation of the highway alignment design on approach to the tunnel, while maintaining compliant geometric elements. Due to this alignment bifurcation, it is envisaged that the parking area would require significant retaining structures or at the very least, may lead to significant buildability issues. It is recommended that the proposal is studied in more detail and if possible an alternative loca...
Motorway Facilities. The location for the service areas, rest areas and motorway maintenance centres proposed as part of the existing Feasibility Study Volume 2.4, shall be reviewed in conjunction with the relevant interface with other works (e.g. interface with tunnels, structures or retaining walls) but also with the locations of the existing facilities on the adjoining motorway sections. The spacing between rest and or service areas, as well as, the minimum level of facilities to be provided within these areas, is detailed within the following piece of legislation: • Ministry of Transport (MoT) order number 1506/2005 which modifies the MoT order number 2264/2004, titled Technical specifications for the design of parking, rest and services areas situated on public roads within rural areas. This MoT order explains that the recommended distance between successive parking and or rest areas is between 15km to 25km. The order also clarifies that the selection of preferred location for such services should take account of: • Terrain constraints; • Horizontal and vertical geometry of the mainline; • Enhancement of tourist attraction landmarks; • Minimisation of environmental impacts including impacts on monuments or other listed buildings; • Provisions for adequate visibility. The three maintenance centres proposed as part of the existing Feasibility Study are located at a spacing of approximate 18 km and 28 km respectively, in order to provide easy access for maintenance and adequate coverage for the entire route. Given the very difficult terrain traversed by the route and the complexity of proposed structures and tunnels it is considered that the proposal currently outlined within the 2008 Feasibility Study for the positioning of the maintenance centres would provide the opportunity for an enhanced and prompt response in case of accidents and or road blockages. The Consultant shall complete a detailed analysis on the constraints, as well as, advantages and disadvantages relating to the location of the three maintenance centres and propose alternative options. All parking areas, rest areas, services areas and maintenance centres shall be provided with public lighting. The public lighting shall be provided from the start of diverge taper to the end of the merge taper. The Consultant shall be responsible for the proposals and the design of all buildings and other equipments to be included within the parking, rest, service areas and the maintenance and coordination centres. The outli...
