MetroBus

[whole diary]

[Red Squirrel]

The old M4 bus lane was in L3, just like the current bus lane immediately after the end of the motorway section of the M32 IYSWIM. So no need for any use of the hard shoulder, and presumably therefore no detrunking required; though BCC^» (Bristol City Council - about) would probably be more likely to install a bus lane than the DfT^» (Department for Transport - about).

On large parts of the motorways the hard shoulder is being converted into a running lane for use in busy times, so the M32 would not have to be detrunked for the hard shoulder to be used. 

Quite so.

However Bristol City Council's aspirations, which as I said earlier were kicked into touch nearly ten years ago, also seem to have included 50mph limits and high-occupancy lanes. Whilst these may not of themselves have required detrunking, each element would have necessitated negotiations with the HA^▸ (Highways Agency) and it may have been considered easier just to get a detrunking order.

I am not aware of any current plans or aspirations to de-trunk this route. Given that the M32 bus-only junction is in an advanced state of construction and that the A4032 (Newfoundland Way/Street, but interestingly not Road) bus lane is up and running, I can't see any reason to de-trunk now.

[Bmblbzzz]

Hard shoulder as running lane is only on 'managed motorways' isn't it? (Incidentally, how odd we [still] talk about a 'running lane' rather than a 'driving lane'. Obviously connected to the rather quaint expression 'going for a run' in a car.  ) Are there any examples of 'hard shoulder as bus/other special vehicle lane' on motorways? There are plenty of bus lanes on trunk roads, of course.

[paul7575]

The M275 into Portsmouth never actually had full hard shoulders, but just about a car's width, but there is now a bus lane where it used to be.

I'd never heard the term de-trunking used in the context of this project though...

Paul

[Red Squirrel]

I am unable to resist bringing up the (sadly erstwhile) A6144(M). The (M) made it a proper motorway, with blue signs and everything, but it had no hard shoulders, was single-carriageway, and had - wait for it - a set of traffic lights at the end. Wanna see a video of it? http://www.pathetic.org.uk/former/a6144m/videos/jan06/a6144m-west.mpg

[Timmer]

I am unable to resist bringing up the (sadly erstwhile) A6144(M). The (M) made it a proper motorway, with blue signs and everything, but it had no hard shoulders, was single-carriageway, and had - wait for it - a set of traffic lights at the end. Wanna see a video of it? http://www.pathetic.org.uk/former/a6144m/videos/jan06/a6144m-west.mpg

I love the painted direction arrows that are stating the bleedin' obvious.

[Noggin]

Would have thought that Marvin would be quite up for an annual street party on the M32, and indeed, it's an interesting question whether, if one of the elevated sections collapsed, the city would cease to function, or whether everyone would just adapt and find alternatives. I rather suspect the latter.

[Red Squirrel]

...everyone would just adapt and find alternatives. I rather suspect the latter.

I suspect you're right. Might not be very pleasant for people who live in Stapleton though, but then on a positive note the increase in traffic and pollution could dampen property prices in the Whiteladies Rd and Gloucester Road areas... [ironic face]

[Bmblbzzz]

Marvin is rumoured to be opposed to street parties due to his Evangelical faith. I don't know whether that's true though.

[Tim]

I don't think he is one of the Wee Frees - you know the ultra-Presbyterians who are said to forbid having sex standing up in case it leads to dancing. 

[Bmblbzzz]

 

(He's a Baptist I think. Quite possibly the anti-partying thing was an election slur, though I only read it afterwards.)

[trainer]

(He's a Baptist I think. Quite possibly the anti-partying thing was an election slur, though I only read it afterwards.)

I go to a Baptist church: we organise street parties/events sometimes - with music and dancing for those so inclined!

[Red Squirrel]

...with music and dancing for those so inclined!

Presumably they are inclined at less than 15^o from the vertical?

[Bmblbzzz]

...with music and dancing for those so inclined!

Presumably they are inclined at less than 15^o from the vertical?

That might depend how much partying they've been doing!

[Bmblbzzz]

Seems he's connected with a US movement called Sojourners, whose slogan is "Faith in action for social justice".

[Bmblbzzz]

I don't think he is one of the Wee Frees - you know the ultra-Presbyterians who are said to forbid having sex standing up in case it leads to dancing. 

Being named Marvin he surely believes in sexual kneeling.