HS2 - A418 Oxford Road, Aylesbury - NEARLY THERE! | 18th Nov 2024

[@KarlVaughan]

Here are a few points about this new road which concern me and others I've spoken to: 1. The path is very close to the road and is dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists on the bridge. There is no safety barrier so any vehicle could easily hit someone if they lost control. 2. The tarmac is not what is normally used on a mixed-use path. Normally a red mix is used which has a rougher texture for grip. It's like a cheaper and quicker option was chosen here. 3. Where the temporary road is, the path turns at sharp angles making it awkward. Why not just make it curved? 4. For safety again it would be good to have a few lights along the bridge parapets. I know there were no street lights along the old road (for the last 20 years anyway) but for safety reasons I feel some should be put in. Someone I know has contacted HS2 about these issues and they will be dealing with it in due course.

[@21michaelhill]

Regarding the safety barrier between road and cycleway, there is not one on the old road. I think because there are no trees or shrubs on the new section it feels very exposed at the moment.

[@carguyuk7525]

You should speak to Bucks highways as they decide on lighting, surfacing and geometry.

[@panasonicdx902bhometv6]

There was street lighting, if you look on your recent video showing from 2020 onwards you can see them from the drone. Somebody said there was no barrier but there was from the roundabout until the verge widened then there was no need as it was quite high up and wide. As for the eyesore council tower, it is the old reference library, doubt they will get rid of it. Not sure if they just sold the blueprints but there is one very similar as you enter Lincoln as well. Probably loads of them around the country. I do concur, street lights would be good for safety.

[@KarlVaughan]

@21michaelhill The concern that others have raised is about the bridge section where there is only the kerb separating the road from the path. On the old road there is either a ditch or wider grass verge and also the path is higher than the road so it feels safer.

[@KarlVaughan]

@carguyuk7525 I have just emailed them now so I will see what they say.

[@michaelsharp9040]

Thanks for the update Karl.

[@johnmay2786]

Thanks for the update Karl, it's a very good point about what do they do with the trees that have been felled, it must run into thousands all told. I really hope that the wood is put to good use after being sacrificed to this project! I agree totally about no guard rails, especially on the bridge.

[@sharonbennett1687]

Thank you for the update great video 🎉

[@carguyuk7525]

Great update - its good to see that there a cycle route to allow you to make these videos! Once the landscaping is done and the grass has grown it the new works should sit well in the general area.

[@philipareed]

Ah, those puddles freezing on cold nights, and expanding within the tarmac, breaking it apart. Lovely 😮😮

[@chrisbailiss7309]

"This road is temporary"... Temporary has a whole new meaning in the context of HS2!

[@nickgiles7568]

Thanks Karl. I hope any cyclists unfamiliar with the path have good lights.The section around 7.18 has a bend to the right with a kerbstone right in front.If you hit that you would be over the handlebars and potentially in the roadway.

[@KarlVaughan]

This is such a bad job, I can't believe it. See my pinned comments.

[@pablofb75]

If you have driven in the Republic of Eire recently on newly laid ashphalt you will be aware of just how incredibly smooth it can feel. Round Knock recently in a Vauxhall it was a "magic carpey" ride compared to UK roads.

[@zamirberisha1677]

It looks like🛣️👏

[@heatherskinner804]

You can see how uneven the pathway is by the little puddles.

[@KarlVaughan]

Yes, terrible.

[@malcolmlangford-pugh566]

I remember in the 60/70's the Council bin vehicles use to dump household rubbish on the right.

[@chrisgreen8803]

Nice 👌 🎉

[@cliveroberts6717]

Great video. But. Such an eyesore of a council tower block seen on the return journey. Is it not the time to demolish this blot on the landscape.

[@KarlVaughan]

Thanks for watching. I don't know what will happen to County Hall. I believe half of it is empty. We will see.

[@paullittle7438]

Thank you for your informative Videos and especially the one on the history of Oxford Road

[@MrLOFTYBOBBY]

where are they going to put the mile stone you were talking about in previous videos Karl ?

[@KarlVaughan]

That's on the A41 Bicester Road. I don't know where it's going but presumably very near to where it was originally.

[@AFCManUk]

Seems like they've rushed that Cycleway. As a cyclist, the first thing you'd want is a smooth surface on a cycle path.

[@KarlVaughan]

I agree. I'm sure the contractors worked very hard to get it done but still, it's not the best finish.

[@KevinPowell-s6q]

If they can’t lay a path evenly what hope of them getting the rail laid evenly?

[@Polarbear1-b6j]

Track laying will be done by entirely different people and companies.

[@KevinPowell-s6q]

@ The comment was meant to be tongue in cheek

[@micksayers1]

Very noisy on this stretch mate.

[@KarlVaughan]

It certainly is!

[@shm5547]

That surface is abysmal, I would be riding on the road there. It's mixed use as well, which is undesirable. Also, why on earth have they put the armco barriers at the side of the cycle track. They should be placed between the road and cycle track to protect cyclists and pedestrians.

[@DavidKnowles0]

the level of workmanship on that path is appalling.

[@andrewwilliams0619]

Why don't you walk it then

[@KarlVaughan]

The path is still dangerous regardless if a person is walking or cycling. I've explained it all in my pinned comment.

[@andrewwilliams0619]

Stop moming now you om the bike

[@KarlVaughan]

Moming?

[@MrScott_Bucks]

Awful job Completely rushed Great video