Journey times in Douglas could ‘quadruple’ under area plan

Drivers could see average travel times around Douglas quadruple if all sites proposed in the Eastern Area Plan come forward.

That’s according to a report by traffic consultant SYSTRA, which modelled the impact on highways, should major development take place.

The firm’s study shows that compared to the 2016 levels, ‘significant congestion’ is likely to form along main arterial routes into the town at both morning and afternoon peaks.

Data showed the average travel time along this network of roads could jump from roughly five to twenty minutes during the 5 to 6pm period.

The average network speeds at peak times were also shown to fall from  around fifteen to five miles per hour.

The report was discussed during the ongoing inquiry into the Eastern Area Plan this week.

It was described as a ‘worst case scenario’ by the Department of Infrastructure’s Kevin Almond.

He told the inquiry the findings didn’t account for improvements to the road network and efforts to encourage active travel.

The report also did not account for the possible release of strategic reserve sites in the plan.

You can view the SYSTRA document online via the Cabinet Office’s Area Plan for the East website.