Hampshire County Council

Executive Member - Environment

15 January 2002

Project Appraisal: Doncaster Drove, Eastleigh - Cycleway

Report of the County Surveyor

Item 14

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - ENVIRONMENT

ROADS

PROJECT APPRAISAL EXTERNALLY FUNDED

PROJECT:

DONCASTER DROVE, EASTLEIGH - CYCLEWAY

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

MARCH 2002

COMPLETION DATE:

MAY 2002

PLANNED YEAR OF START IN ACCORDANCE WITH CAPITAL PROGRAMME: 2001/02

7.

Scheme

7.1

Introduction

This Project Appraisal details the proposal to construct and convert footways into a shared use footway/cycleway along Doncaster Drove and A335 Wide Lane. Eastleigh Borough Council's cycling strategy proposed a cycleway linking the existing cycle network in Stoneham Lane to Southampton Parkway Railway Station, and monies have been collected from developers by the County Council and Eastleigh Borough Council to carry out this work.

7.2

Details

The route of the proposed cycle route is shown on the attached location plan. The scheme starts at the junction of Stoneham Lane and Doncaster Drove. It is proposed that a Toucan crossing be constructed at this location to enable cyclists and pedestrians to cross Stoneham Lane at this point. The cycle route then crosses Monks Brook using the existing footbridge over the brook. More adventurous cyclists will be able to make use of the ford if they wish.

The cycleway follows the line of the existing BOAT (Byway Open to All Traffic) until it reaches the boundary of the Lakeside Country Park. It then enters the Country Park and follows the southern boundary on a new permissive path, using the existing lightly trafficked access road and car park for the Country Park until it reaches the A335 Wide Lane.

The cycleway will then head southwards towards Southampton Parkway Railway Station using the western footway. The footway will be widened to accommodate shared use by pedestrians and cyclists. The cycleway will then cross the A335 Wide Lane by the station using a Toucan crossing. A short length of footway on the eastern side will be widened to access the railway station, once the land issues have been resolved with Railtrack and South West Trains.

Over its whole length the cycleway will be a minimum of 2.5 metres wide. The works on A335 Wide Lane will require the existing street lighting to be set back when the footway is widened. Lighting will not be provided in the country park as this is not considered environmentally acceptable in this area. Notwithstanding this, ducting for lighting will be provided in all new construction in the Drove in case this policy changes.

The cycleway will be constructed from bitumen bound materials along its length, except for the permissive route through the country park which will be constructed using a bound aggregate surface. This material is considered more environmentally appropriate in this area and will also, because of its contrasting colours, offset the lack of lighting in the area.

7.3

Standards

The design standards adhere to the County Surveyor's departmental standards and national guidance on cycle routes. The project has also been safety audited at appropriate stages and all issues raised have been resolved.

7.4

Statutory procedures and consultations

Eastleigh Borough Council has undertaken consultations with appropriate disabled groups, cycle groups, Hampshire Constabulary and Eastleigh Borough Council Members.

Public notices for the Toucan crossings will be posted shortly. Any unresolved issues from these notices will be brought to the Executive Member for resolution before proceeding with construction.

A no right turn ban exiting the Drove onto Stoneham Lane will be advertised shortly. This will be needed to prevent safety conflicts with the proposed Toucan in this road. Any unresolved issues from this proposed order will be brought to the Executive Member for resolution.

7.5

Policy Considerations

The proposals are consistent with, and are included in, Eastleigh Borough Council's Local Plan and the Southampton Area Transport Strategy.

7.6

Environmental impacts

The scheme has been designed to minimise its impact on the environment. Some signing and lining will be required within the Country Park and its access.

7.7

Land requirements

Rights have been obtained over a section of the Lakeland Country Park. Discussions are progressing with Railtrack and South West Trains to confirm land ownership at Southampton Parkway Railway Station. Current plans show the land needed as being highway land.

7.8

Alternative Arrangements

The use of the whole of Doncaster Drove was considered but this was rejected in favour of the Lakeside permissive route on the grounds of personal safety. The existing Drove has high banks and hedges to its boundary which would have raised concerns about personal safety.

7.9

Local Member's View

The local Member, Councillor Luffman, fully supports the scheme and welcomes its construction.

7.10

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

Areas of concern have been resolved (see section 7.8 Alternative Arrangements).

7.11

Sustainability

This scheme will provide a cycle route to Southampton Parkway Railway Station thereby providing alternatives to the car.

8.

Financial Arrangements

8.1

Expenditure

£'000

Funds Available

£'000

Project Costs

190

Developer Contributions:

Eastleigh Borough Council

Hampshire County Council

65

84

*Hampshire County Council 2001/02 Capital Programme

41

Land

Nil

____

____

Total

190

Total

190

____

____

*Subject to approval by Executive Member for Environment on 25 January 2002.

8.2

Revenue Implications

£'000

% Variation to Committee's budget

Net increase in

current expenditure

4.65

0.011

Capital Charge

30.00

0.050

Total Expenditure

34.65

0.061

8.3

Maintenance Implications

The scheme will result in 1,280 square metres of additional cycleway to be maintained at a cost of £1,650 per annum and two additional Toucan crossings at a cost of £3,000 per annum and will be taken into account in the setting of the annual budget.

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

Working File

County Surveyor's Department

Implementation Team