As part of West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust’s (WSFT) outline planning approval for a replacement hospital, the Trust committed to enhancing walking, cycling and active travel links from the north, east and west of Bury St Edmunds. These improvements aim to encourage sustainable travel to the new hospital site at Hardwick Manor, which is adjacent to the current site.
Rembrandt Way and Barons Road 20mph zone proposal
As part of this commitment, and with the support of Suffolk County Council, it is suggested that a 20mph speed limit zone on Rembrandt Way and Barons Road is implemented. This aims to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists accessing the new hospital. It is also expected to discourage “rat running” and reduce through traffic avoiding the new signalised hospital entrance on Hardwick Lane.
Initial plans and public Feedback
Our initial plans included new 20mph signage and raised speed tables to calm traffic along Rembrandt Way and Barons Road.
To view the original plans, select one of the options provided.
View Plan 1 – Rembrandt Way West via Vinery Road (PDF) (opens in new tab) View Plan 2 - Rembrandt Way via Barons Road & Barons Road West via Viney Road (located near to Ilex Close) (PDF) (opens in new tab) View Plan 3 - Barons Road Central (located near to Runnymede Green, Canterbury Green & Lincoln Green) (PDF) (opens in new tab) View Plan 4 - Barons Road East (located near to Salisbury Green, Ely Close & Chichester Close) (PDF) (opens in new tab)In autumn 2024, we shared these plans with local residents. From the feedback received, 40% of respondents supported the suggested road safety measures and we have considered and amended plans based on the feedback received.
New updated plans
We are grateful for the feedback received, which has been reviewed with our design consultants and Suffolk County Council to help shape updated plans.
The key changes are summarised below:
You said:
- Concerns regarding the introduction of a 20mph speed limit.
- The introduction of speed tables
Change made:
- Whilst our planning permission still requires a 20mph speed limit on Rembrandt Way and Barons Road to be created, our updated plans now propose to create this by flush road narrowing allowing one vehicle to pass at points along the route, greatly reducing the number of new raised speed tables proposed to address the concerns received.
The updated plans can be viewed here:
The below table includes a summary of the key changes on each drawing linked above:
Plan 1
- Rembrant Way West via Vinery Road
Changes
- Holywater Meadow footpath reduced in width from 3 metres to 2 metres to tie in with existing footpath provision. Footpath alignment adjusted to minimise gradient and tree impacts.
- Traffic Calming Feature 1 – new raised table position adjacent to number 57 Rembrandt Way has been adjusted to align with the new Holywater Meadow footpath. No alterations are required to property driveways within the public highway boundary.
- Raised table adjacent to number 43 and number 54 Rembrandt Way omitted.
- Raised table adjacent to number 43 and number 54 Rembrandt Way omitted.
Plan 2
- Rembrant Way North of Holywell Close
- Rembrant Way South to Holywell Close
- Barons Road and Rembrandt Way junction
- Barons Road East of Boon Close
Changes
- Raised table adjacent to Number 33 and 42 Rembrandt Way omitted.
- Traffic Calming Feature 2 – road narrowing feature added adjacent to Number 31 and 40 Rembrandt Way.
- Raised table adjacent to Number 27 and 38 Rembrandt Way omitted
- Traffic Calming Feature 3 – proposed raised table now incorporates a pedestrian crossing to tie in with footpath link. No alterations are required to property driveways within the public highway boundary
- Raised table at Barons Road and Rembrandt Way junction omitted.
- Bus stop kerbs and road markings moved to the West as before but the existing bus shelter location is now unchanged.
- Traffic Calming Feature 4 – raised table adjacent 22A and 24 Barons Road omitted. Crossing point in this location is now a flush block paving surface. No alterations are required to property driveways within the public highway boundary.
Plan 3
- Barons Road Adjacent Runneymede Green, Canterbury Green and Lincoln Green
- Barons Road Adjacent Canterbury Green
Changes
- Four raised tables adjacent to Number 28A, 32, 42 and 60 Barons Road omitted
- Traffic Calming Feature 5 – road narrowing feature with pedestrian crossing added adjacent to Number 32 Barons Road.
Plan 4
- Barons Road West of Salisbury Green
- Barons Road East of Ely Close
- Barons Road West of Chichester Close
Changes
- Traffic Calming Feature 6 – road narrowing feature added adjacent to Number 64 Barons Road.
- Raised table adjacent to Number 72 Barons Road omitted.
- Traffic Calming Feature 7 – proposed raised table position adjacent Number 84 Barons Road adjusted so that no alterations are required to property driveways within the public highway boundary.
- Raised table adjacent to Number 98 Barons Road omitted.
Next Steps
Following completion of the engagement, we are now developing detailed design drawings, which will be submitted to Suffolk County Council Highways for Technical Approval and West Suffolk Council for planning condition sign off.
Additional information
If approved, these changes will not be implemented immediately but would take effect before the new hospital opens. The main aim is to improve safety for both those accessing the hospital and residents within the surrounding area.
The introduction of a 20mph speed limit on Rembrandt Way and Barons Road requires a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO). For more information on TRO’s, please visit the Suffolk County Council Traffic Regulation Orders page.
Before any work takes place, Suffolk County Council will carry out a formal TRO consultation with local residents.