HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - SPATIAL STRATEGY

ITEM 3

PROJECT APPRAISAL

PROJECT:

A35 SOUTHAMPTON ROAD, ASHURST TO LYNDHURST SHARED USE CYCLE TRACK/FOOTWAY SCHEME

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

APRIL 2005

COMPLETION DATE:

JUNE 2005

PLANNED YEAR OF START IN ACCORDANCE WITH CAPITAL PROGRAMME: 2005/06

1.

FINANCE (Client Department, Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services [Estates Practice] and County Treasurer)

Current

Capital

Estimate

Programme

(at Dec 04

(at Dec 04

prices)

prices)

Capital Expenditure

£'000

£'000

Land to be purchased

NIL

NIL

Construction

440

440

Fees

50

50

490

490

Less developers/

other contributions

490

490

Financial provision for total scheme

Total Cost

1.

From Committees own resources

(a) Capital programme (as above)*

490

(b) Other

2.

From other resources

(a)

(b)

(c)

TOTAL

490

Value of land for this project in HCC ownership £

Variations from capital programme

Revenue implications

£'000

% variation

to Committee's

budget

Net current expenditure

8

0.009

Capital charges

49

0.042

TOTAL net expenditure

57

0.051

2.

STATEMENT OF NEED/JUSTIFICATION FOR PROJECT

(Client Department)

This scheme falls within the New Forest Transport Strategy (NFTS) area. One of the main objectives of the strategy is to provide new and improved pedestrian and cycle facilities in the New Forest area to improve safety, offer an alternative choice of travel other than by car and strive to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality in an environmentally-sensitive area.

This route forms part of the strategic cycle route network for the New Forest, providing a crucial link between Ashurst Railway Station and Lyndhurst Village.

The scheme will provide an `off-road' shared use pedestrian/cycle track facility along Southampton Road.

Recent traffic counts indicate that at present approximately 80 cyclists travel along the A35 between Ashurst and Lyndhurst. Due to this road carrying a high volume of traffic, especially heavy goods vehicles, and the existing footway being of a very poor standard, it is considered that there is a demand for this route by pedestrians and cyclists.

This is backed up by comments from local residents who have indicated that they would cycle along this route if it was upgraded to a higher standard.

3.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL (Client Department)

National/County Network and Policies

The provision of an off-road shared use cycle track/footway along the A35 Southampton Road accords with the main aims and objectives of the NFTS. These are supported through the New Forest District Local Plan, the Local Transport Plan and the New Forest Cycle Strategy Plan.

However, in view of increasing traffic levels on this road, it is a realistic target to maintain existing cycle flows as a minimum.

In 2005 Members will consider what new local targets for cycling should be included in the second draft Local Transport Plan.

Details of Scheme and Design Standards

This scheme will provide a shared use cycle track/footway on the northern side of the A35 Southampton Road between Ashurst and Lyndhurst. It will link into the existing cycle track in Ashurst. The cycle track will be

2.5 metres wide to allow cyclists and pedestrians to pass each other safely as well as giving a safety zone between the cyclists/pedestrians and traffic on the A35.

The scheme has been designed to be within the existing highway boundary and has been achieved by reducing the carriageway width to an average running width of 6.6 metres.

This will have the additional benefits of slowing traffic speeds and providing greater safety to cyclists and pedestrians.

A pedestrian refuge crossing to give safer access to the bus stop on the southern side of the road will be provided near the junction of Queens Road, and cycle/pedestrian refuges will also be provided at the Ashurst and Lyndhurst end of the scheme.

The design of this scheme was carried out in accordance with the Department for Transport's standards, together with those of the County Council.

The scheme has been safety audited.

A location plan is attached to this report and a detailed plan of the proposals will be displayed at the meeting.

Environmental Impact

The proposed shared use cycle track/pedestrian footway scheme passes through areas of special designation, even though it is within the existing highway boundary.

Studies have been carried out along the route which have shown that the proposed cycle track/footway scheme does not have any adverse ecological impact.

Discussions have taken place with the Forestry Commission, English Nature and the verderers and they have raised no objections to the scheme.

Once the scheme is completed it will create a safer environment for both pedestrians and cyclists.

Land Requirements

No land acquisition required. All works to be confined within existing public highway limits.

Statutory Procedures

The conversion of the footway to shared cycle/pedestrian use will be carried out under Sections 65 and 66 of the Highways Act 1980.

Public Consultation

Consultation for this scheme has been undertaken with New Forest District Council, Lyndhurst Parish Council, English Nature, the verderers, the Forestry Commission and the emergency services.

Following discussions with these organisations, they have given their support to the proposals and not raised any objections.

A public consultation exercise was undertaken which covered the residential properties fronting Southampton Road between the Fire Station and the entrance to the golf course, and those located in Princes Crescent, Queens Road and the mobile home site that is accessed from Southampton Road.

A letter drop was carried out at these properties informing them of the scheme details and inviting them to a one day public exhibition at the District Council Offices.

Over 100 residents attended the exhibition, all of which received a reply paid questionnaire on the scheme. However, only 12 residents returned the completed questionnaires. Out of those returned, 11 indicated their support for the proposals.

Local Member's View

The local Member, Councillor Kendal, supports the proposals for this scheme.

Equalities

The needs of the disabled have been considered in the design of this scheme with the inclusion of dropped kerbs and tactile paving at every crossing point of the carriageway.

Maintenance Implications

There will be minimal revenue implications of this proposal and they will be taken into account in the setting of the annual base budget.

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

The provisions of this Act have no impact on this proposal.

Sustainability

The proposed scheme will provide a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists who travel along this route. It will also encourage more people to walk and cycle instead of using motorised transport.

4.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT - ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

(Client Department)

An option to construct a section of the cycle track/footway on the southern side of Southampton Road west of the cattle underpass was considered. However, it was rejected due to the concern for safety of cyclists having to cross Southampton Road; a busy road with traffic travelling at speeds in excess of 40 mph. The cattle underpass was considered as an alternative crossing point which would have overcome the safety concerns. However, this was rejected because the cycle track through the underpass would have to be fenced to prevent animals straying into Southampton Road, which would then have prevented Forestry Commission vehicles gaining access to the New Forest.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excludes:

1.

Published works.

2.

Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

TITLE

LOCATION

Ashurst to Lyndhurst Cycle Route

Working Files

Room 415, Environment Department