With reference to Braunton Road (A361 between Ashford and Wrafton), North Devon – this road had gully work completed over the last 24 months.
Please provide information regarding:
1. The management and costs involved.
Please refer to our responses to question 2 onwards.
2. What the original budget was for this work and what was the actual spend.
Budget: £102,321.58
Spend: £179,248.37
3. What was the maintenance plan for upkeep?
Annual gully inspection and clean in accordance with County Council Policy.
4. What is the actual maintenance process, along with all proposed and actual maintenance costs?
The maintenance process is detailed in response to question 3. Costs relating to this specific location are not held, this is because works are ordered and paid for cyclic gully cleaning for a given period not by location.
5. In addition: who was involved in the decision making regarding this project?
Asset Delivery Engineer, Highway Neighbourhood Engineer, Asset Highway Officer, Neighbourhood Highway Officer and County Councillor.
6. What was the aim of this project?
The antiquated drainage system needed replacing.
Flooding on the A361 high speed network had resulted in reported incidents from police and County Council’s control centre and there is a high risk of aquaplaning. Whilst on site it came to light there are problems with unblocking the gullies due to existing drainage which is not fit for purpose and which was failing. Gully pots have been adapted over the years and are not suitable to enable correct cleaning and hedge line has grown out covering gullies and heavy growth hinders ploughing operations to clear this.
7. Why was the project changed to remove half of the planned length of the project?
The survey of the full length of scheme only revealed issues from Heanton Court to Lime Kiln Lane.
8. Has there been any comments with regards to the high level of flooding on the affected section of Braunton Road, particularly at the junction of Lime Kilm Lane?
Issues reported with hedge bank at junction of Lime Kiln Lane and A361 due to agricultural vehicles overrunning bottom of hedge bank, blocking drainage covers with mud and detritus.