Discussions have now taken place between the public transport agency, residents and the municipality of Hoogeveen. Because the public transport agency is confident that a solution can ultimately be found that all parties agree with, the bus continues to drive through Noordscheschut.
“We understand that finding a solution that everyone can agree with is not feasible before December 1,” explains Erwin Stolk of the public transport agency. “Discussions with all parties involved are still ongoing and we are confident that we can find a solution to the speed bumps sometime next year.”
The public transport agency must make significant cuts, because there is a threat of a million-dollar deficit next year. This means that bus routes will be canceled or adjusted.
If the slowing speed bumps at Noordscheschut were not adjusted, the village might be skipped on the route. The bus then travels via the A37 to Emmen. This allows the agency to save 60,000 euros per year.
But according to Stolk, cutbacks are not the only reason why the thresholds need to be adjusted. In addition to causing delays, they are very steep, he says. “That is not comfortable for both passengers and drivers during the journey. So there are several arguments why we think something should be done about the route.”
Residents of Coevorderstraatweg fear for road safety if the speed bumps were to disappear. The municipality temporarily suspended plans to remove the speed bumps to first discuss safety with the neighborhood.
Residents describe the road as a race track. They also state that visibility on the road is poor due to a large row of trees. That makes crossing more dangerous. For example, for children on bicycles.
The first conversation between Hoogeveen and the residents was held last month. It has been proposed to replace the current speed bumps with bus speed bumps, but that does not seem to be an option. “That is inconvenient for cars, according to the municipality,” said a resident at the time. Removing the trees to improve the view also does not seem to be an option, as these are monumental trees.
A new meeting took place at the beginning of this month, at which the public transport agency also attended. New options have been presented. For example, a road narrowing in combination with a specific bus speed bump. A section check was also presented.
Lowering the current thresholds does not seem to be an option, because they would no longer have an inhibitory effect. The public transport office does not see any need for passing lanes for buses.
“Something needs to be done about the route. Hopefully we can find a solution that works for all parties,” Stolk adds. According to him, the responsibility for adjusting the road ultimately lies with the municipality. A consultancy firm has now started a study into the visibility and safety along the Coevorderstraatweg.
The municipality uses all the information from the conversations to draw up a new sketch for the road design. In addition, the ultimate removal of the two thresholds is still maintained. But together with residents, other traffic calming measures are being considered to make the road safer. It is not yet clear what these will be.
All parties will continue discussions in mid-December.