Archived decisions

Contact: Sheila Henley, ext 5189

1. Summary

1.1 This report outlines progress on key planned schemes, and developments in feasibility projects in the South East Hampshire Transport Strategy (SEHTS) area. It notes the progress on projects and recommends that consultation of Stubbington Bypass proceeds, and further development work towards implementation, is undertaken on selective detection for buses on the A32 at the Fareham Road/Wych Lane junction, and the Petersfield Road Puffin crossing in Havant.

2. South Hampshire Rapid Transit

South Hampshire Rapid Transit 1 Scheme for Light Rail between Fareham, Gosport and Portsmouth

2.1 In November 2002 the tender arrangements for the South Hampshire Rapid Transit 1 (SHRT-1) scheme was reported to this Panel. Of the initial three consortia, two remain: Smart and South Hampshire Supertram Limited. These consortia have entered into pre-contract discussions, and the programme for final selection of the successful bidder remains on programme for an autumn 2003 announcement, with a three year construction period likely to start at the beginning of 2004. Further work is being initiated to specify complementary measures for the rapid transit, covering issues such as traffic management, parking, integrated ticketing, feeder bus services, cycle access and urban design.

A3 Public Transport Corridor

2.2 In July 2002 a Major Public Transportation Scheme Appraisal was submitted to the Department for Transport (DfT) to seek funding for the remaining A3 corridor works. It was found that further information was required before a decision over funding could be made. The specific information and analysis required has been undertaken, and supplied to the DfT in January 2003. Results of the DfT's assessment are anticipated by mid-March. If funding is achieved then the current programme for earliest possible completion of the scheme will be maintained. If it is not, then the programme will be reviewed, along with the impact of funding via the Capital Programme, so that the financial demand can be managed and the scheme still achieved.

Wider South Hampshire Rapid Transit Network Development

2.3 Progress continues on the 20 year development programme for a high quality mass transit system for South Hampshire. To promote Integrated Management of Strategic Transport within South Hampshire a partnership has been formed between the Executive Members of Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton under the banner of "Solent Transport" and literature is currently being prepared to promote public awareness. On 13 March 2003 a Transport Summit was held in Southampton that brought together transport providers and users to develop a vision of transport in the Solent areas for 2025 and to sign "The Solent Transport Charter". The Transport Minister, David Jamieson addressed the summit and witnessed the signing ceremony. In addition, funding for the new rail service between Romsey and Totton and a new stop and rail station at Chandlers Ford is currently being finalised for the start of operations in May 2003.

Major Road Schemes

2.4 At the November 2002 meeting, Members identified their preferences for major road schemes in the area. Stubbington Bypass was given priority over Park Gate Eastern Link and Newgate Lane. A preliminary review of major road schemes has since been conducted in light of the re-evaluation of the capital programme, and on 24 January 2003, the Executive Member for Environment gave approval to continue with a feasibility study and detailed development of the Stubbington Bypass, for a major scheme bid submission in July 2006. This project is second in the County Council's priority list for major schemes after a link road from south of Eastleigh to Chickenhall Lane, and Bishopstoke Road, Botley Bypass and the corridor leading down to Park Gate are proposed to be kept in reserve at present, with a review late in 2003. It may also be possible to link the improvement of Newgate Lane with Stubbington Bypass as development work progresses on this project.

2.5 On Stubbington Bypass itself preliminary investigations are being undertaken into ground and traffic conditions, environmental and other constraints, and route alignments. Early results have identified the need to address a number of issues to bring forward the bypass, including overcoming sensitive environmental items such as special designations, habitats and species; high grade agricultural land; ground that is largely made up of gravel and unstable; and high voltage overhead electric cables. It is intended to undertake a preliminary public consultation exercise in the form of awareness raising, an interactive community-led workshop and exhibition in April, May and June 2003, subject to local Member availability, recommendation of this Panel, and approval by the Executive Members of Hampshire County Council and Fareham Borough Council. Gosport Borough Council is a key stakeholder.

3. Quality Bus Partnership

3.1 In 2002 a study commissioned by Hampshire County Council into bus quality partnerships operated by First identified routes 82-83/85-86 between Gosport and Fareham amongst the top ten services for the quality partnership route improvement programme for the next few years. On 3 November 2002 a new branding scheme was launched for these services called "Connect 6". Feasibility work continues to determine bus priority measures along the A32 corridor, as reported elsewhere on the agenda. It is intended to formally launch a bus quality partnership on completion of works at both Gosport and Fareham bus stations in spring 2003.

4. Fareham-Gosport Accessibility

Bus Services to Whiteley

4.1 A new bus service, route 64, started in the middle of February 2003 from Gosport to the Solent Business Park at Whiteley. This service is financed by Zurich Financial Services and operated by First.

Bus Detection Measures A32 Fareham Road/Wych Lane Junction

4.2 The County Council's partner consultant, Atkins, is presently undertaking a feasibility study to introduce bus detection measures at this junction. This study is being coordinated with the A32 bus priority study. Preliminary calculations indicate that the Signal Vehicle Detection system will have benefits for bus journey times during peak periods, whilst not causing too much disruption to the general traffic flow. It will be of limited benefit at off-peak times. Clarification of services has been obtained from the utility companies, and details of the sensor equipment have been received from the bus operator, First, and the manufacturer, Siemens. Sensitivity testing and design are currently being carried out. Given the potential benefits of this scheme to bus operations it is intended to proceed to implementation of this project, and developer funds are available to finance the scheme.

A32 Gosport Road/Salterns Lane Junction Improvements

4.3 Atkins is currently undertaking a feasibility study into reducing congestion and delays at this junction, by limiting traffic movements and introducing a pedestrian phase by banning right-hand turning facilities into Salterns Lane from A32 (S), the left turn out of Salterns Lane to the A32 (S), widening of the A32 south-bound through the junction to two lanes, and linking to the Urban Traffic Control system presently being introduced along the A32 corridor. Investigative work is nearing completion and assessments being made against traffic, pedestrian and road safety objectives. The work is also being coordinated with the other projects along the A32, and requests from the local Highway Management Advisory Panel to reduce the `green' time on Salterns Lane itself. Once further calculations have been undertaken and the scheme is deemed feasible, consultation with local Members and the community will take place.

B3385 Newgate Lane Signalisation of Longfield Avenue and Speedwells Roundabouts

4.4 Atkins has completed a feasibility study into the provision of signals at these two roundabouts. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the opportunity for improvements to these junctions to relieve congestion, as an interim arrangement in advance of the Newgate Lane improvement. Signalisation of these roundabouts was found to be unsuitable, with lack of stacking space for vehicle queues on the roundabouts and on Newgate Lane itself, between both roundabouts. Officers have requested Atkins to undertake further investigation, given changes to the major scheme programme highlighted in section 2 above, and the unsuitability of the signalisation scenario already assessed, involving:

(i) geometric adjustment of the roundabout junctions without signal control;

(ii) indirect signal control with signal control to be applied to the main approach arms;

(iii) combination of indirect control of the roundabout arms and alterations to traffic flow movements to and from the adjacent retail parks; and

(iv) removal of roundabouts and provision of crossroads under signal control.

4.5 The outcome of this assessment will be presented to this Panel in the autumn.

5. Other Work

Fareham

Broom Way Cycle Route

5.1 As part of the Cherque Farm development a cycle route is to be built between the development and Peel Common roundabout. This work is entirely funded by developer contributions and these monies were received in January 2003. This has allowed detailed design to commence with view to implementation in financial year 2003/04.

Delme Roundabout

5.2 Atkins has investigated the merits of further traffic signal control at Delme Roundabout, and enhanced pedestrian and cycle facilities, to increase the capacity of the roundabout, decrease journey times and improve the safety of those using the roundabout. The number of vehicles using Delme Roundabout has increased to the extent that traffic entering the roundabout from the A27 Cams Hill/Portchester Road queues for significant periods. Traffic using the A27 Eastern Way has been identified as using the exit and entry sliproads and roundabout in preference to the flyover, adding to congestion at the roundabout. The increased traffic also inhibits pedestrians and cyclists crossing the roundabout. Analysis of signalising two additional arms shows that under present traffic flow conditions the introduction of signals would not improve traffic flow, and would increase delays. However, without these signals pedestrian improvements cannot easily be implemented. The study concluded that no changes should be made to the present arrangements at Delme Roundabout.

5.3 Officers have requested further investigation into this arrangement to better model the existing queue lengths, consider improving the pedestrian crossing arrangements on the A27 Eastern Way to enhance the linkage to Cam Hill and school, make alterations to the carriageway to reduce the conflicts associated with weaving on the circulatory section of the roundabout between the A27 Cam Hill and the A27 Eastern Way, and make geometric and lane marking changes on other parts of the junction. The outcome of this work will be taken into account within the next Local Transport Plan.

Gosport

Developer Contributions

5.4 At the meeting in November 2002, Members requested further information on developer funding contributions in the Gosport area. The attached appendix presents the position as at February 2003. Contributions have been received for the Grange Road Toucan crossing (£12,000), Broom Way pedestrian and cycle route (£250,000 agreed; £268,278 after indexing), A32 corridor (£145,000 agreed; £166,132 after indexing from the Priddy's Hard development) and for A32 cycle scheme (£16,000), totalling almost £423,000; £462,410 after indexing). A further £938,000 has currently been negotiated, but not yet received, bringing the overall sum to almost £1.4 million. All these funds are index-linked and will assist in paying for improvements along the A32 corridor and elsewhere in Gosport.

Havant

Petersfield Road Crossing

5.5 Investigations have been undertaken into installing a light-controlled crossing on the dual carriageway, Petersfield Road, outside Havant College, to provide a safer crossing point for students and others, particularly those travelling between the town centre, Havant rail station and the College. There have also been recent personal injury accidents involving students. A preliminary design has been produced showing a two-stage crossing and this indicates that a crossing is achievable at this location. A copy of this design will be displayed at the meeting. A pedestrian and vehicle survey was undertaken on 7 February 2003 and shows that the PV² criteria of 2.0 x 10⁸ for the provision of a Puffin-type crossing at this location would easily be exceeded with a PV² value of over 4.0 x 10⁸. The implementation of the crossing is likely to cost between £75,000 to £100,000, and is subject to funding becoming available following its deferment from the 2003/04 capital programme.

5.6 Officers have also held discussions with the Principal and Chair of Governors at Havant College to determine the opportunities for enhancing access to and egress from the College, and usage of the proposed crossing. Havant College has indicated its willingness to provide a new access into its grounds, and to build a new path to the existing entry into the complex near the sports hall. It views the provision of a crossing as being very beneficial to the College, enhancing its attractiveness to the existing 3,000 part-time and 1,200 full-time 16 to 18 year-old students, 200 staff and visitors. It also supports the College's other environmental and travel plan initiatives (financial support to enable the use of public transport, car share, vehicle parking control and cycle parking). The College also seeks the early implementation of the crossing, and is disappointed that it has not been included in the 2003/04 programme. The local MP, David Willetts, is also giving his support to the project.

5.7 Given the opportunity presented by the introduction of a crossing at this location (and that criteria are met) it is recommended that Members take this project forward as a priority from the pool of capital programme schemes.

6. A3023 Corridor and Hayling Billy Cycling and Pedestrian Needs (Langstone to Hayling Island)

6.1 A study into cycling and pedestrian needs has been completed by Atkins. A briefing for Havant Borough and local County Council Members was held in January 2003. Further consultation with local Members was undertaken recently, with consultation to be held with residents' groups and other directly-affected interests to follow. Additional investigations are underway to examine the impact on the adjacent environmentally-sensitive coastal strip, controlled crossings on pedestrian, cycle, horse and vehicle movements, and whether the project provides value for money.

7. Conclusions

7.1 Delivery of major long-term transport projects in SEHTS has begun, bringing much needed transport investment to the area. A number of other potential schemes are being developed to feasibility and preliminary design level for consideration in a future investment programme when funding permits, including Stubbington Bypass, and a crossing of Petersfield Road, Havant. Developer contributions for transport provision in the Gosport area have been negotiated, with around a third of the total amount received. This will enable some elements of the potential investment programme to be advanced, notably public transport measures along the A32 corridor.

Recommendations

1. That this report be noted.

2. That the Executive Member for Environment be advised that the South East Hampshire Transportation Panel supports:

(i) the undertaking of public consultation for the Stubbington Bypass;

(ii) the implementation of bus detection at the A32 Fareham Road /Wych Lane junction; and

(iii) the crossing of Petersfield Road, Havant as a priority scheme, for the detailed design to commence, and that a project appraisal be prepared seeking authority to implement the proposal as funding permits.

7919/SH

APPENDIX

External Funding Contributions held by HCC for Gosport Schemes

(February 2002)

Totals £

Value contributions received = 423,000 + index

Value payments awaited = 938,000 + index

Value of payments being negotiated -

Sum = 1,361,000 + indexing