Contact: Nick Richardson, ext 5429

1. Summary

1.1 A number of schemes are being promoted in the 2001/02 financial year as part of the five year Winchester Movement and Access Plan (WMAP) investment programme. This report outlines proposed improvements in the Romsey Road corridor. The Panel is asked to recommend approval of public consultation on the Romsey Road proposals when appropriate.

2. Introduction

2.1 A range of schemes being promoted through WMAP is to be implemented in 2001/02 and 2002/03, some requiring feasibility work, preliminary design work and initial public consultation before detailed design work and implementation can be programmed.

2.2 The 2001/02 investment programme includes schemes detailed elsewhere on this agenda. It is proposed to progress these proposals to be ready for implementation during 2002/03.

3. Romsey Road Traffic Management Scheme

3.1 The Romsey Road corridor is a key radial route into Winchester city centre from Romsey and the M3 to the south of the city. Romsey Road carries around 10,800 vehicles daily (12 hours, two-way flow) and provides a major route for bus services. The route is also used by cyclists and pedestrians. Several major employers are situated in the corridor, including the Royal Hampshire County Hospital, other health establishments, King Alfred's College, Winchester Prison and the headquarters of the Hampshire Constabulary.

3.2 A number of measures are proposed to improve conditions, for pedestrians and cyclists in particular, including the following:

(i) signal controlled pedestrian and cycle crossing on Romsey Road at the St James' Terrace/Clifton Terrace junction;

(ii) bus stop on Romsey Road in the vicinity of Clifton Road;

(iii) junction treatment at the St James' Lane junction;

(iv) review of carriageway and pedestrian arrangements in Sparkford Road (access to King Alfred's College);

(v) revised pedestrian crossing arrangements at Queen's Road;

(vi) introduction of traffic signals at the Romsey Road/Chilbolton Avenue junction;

(vii) pedestrian crossing arrangements at the Chilbolton Avenue/ Sarum Road junction; and

(viii) addition of cycle priority from Stanmore Lane and pedestrian crossing at the Romsey Road/Stanmore Lane/Kilham Lane junction.

3.3 The scheme components relate strongly to other parts of the WMAP programme, including measures to improve facilities for cyclists and pedestrians and to provide safer routes to schools. It is proposed that a public consultation exercise be undertaken once further feasibility work has been carried out on some of the above components of the scheme. A detailed report on the proposed scheme and the outcome of the public consultation will be presented to the next meeting of the Panel.

4. Conclusion

4.1 A number of coordinated schemes are planned for the Romsey Road corridor which will be progressed over the forthcoming months to initial consultation stage.

Recommendation

That it be a RECOMMENDATION to the Executive Member for Environment that public consultation on proposals for the Romsey Road corridor be approved.

6827/NR