Contact: Paul Turner, ext 6978 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 This report provides a progress update on Capital transport schemes that have been approved by project appraisal for implementation in the Hart District area.

2. Progress update Capital schemes

Minley Road Cycle Routes (Phase 1) - £450,000

2.1 Strategic cycle route consisting of 2.5-3.0 metre shared cycle/pedestrian path and 1.5 metre verge for use by equestrians on eastern side of A327 Minley Road between Gibraltar Barracks and Hawley Lakes. Complete. Phases 2 and 3 are not programmed as there is no funding available at present.

Gally Hill Road School Safety Zone - £32,000

2.2 To improve pedestrian facilities in the vicinity of the school and improve Gally Hill Road/Gables Road junction. Complete.

A30 Blackwater Remedial Works, including Blackwater Station Access Study - £75,000

2.3 Small-scale pedestrian and cycle improvement works. The Blackwater Station Access Study has been completed to enable improvement works to take place.

Village Traffic Management - £50,000

2.4 Extension of parish partnership schemes.

(i) South Warnborough, road narrowing and traffic islands, work under way.

(ii) Reading Road, Hook, priority traffic calming buildouts work to start summer 2003.

Elvetham Road Traffic Calming

2.5 A review of the existing traffic calming features along the whole length of Elvetham Road was undertaken by Atkins on behalf of Hampshire County Council, following ongoing concerns raised by residents and the local District Councillor. The report concluded that the scheme was providing a positive contribution to road safety by reducing vehicle speeds. The findings of the report, along with the recommendation to modify aspects of the original scheme, were presented to the Executive Member for Environment in April 2003. It was agreed to implement the modifications.

2.6 The modifications included:

(i) completely removing the kerb edging surrounding the central overrun markings;

(ii) relocating the permanent build-out adjacent to no. 111 to approximately 20 metres west but in a temporary manner using mono-block kerbing and unlit signs;

(iii) change of surface treatment material used at existing overrun islands and gateways.

2.7 The respective benefits of these changes are:

(i) elimination of ongoing maintenance and safety concerns relating to loose kerbs in the carriageway;

(ii) permit easy removal of the feature in line with local concerns if no further benefits are apparent from it being re-sited; and

(iii) cheaper future maintenance of the scheme.

2.8 Construction

In order to reduce the impact that construction work could have on local residents, it was coordinated with existing road closures programmed by the local Water Authority. After notifying the residents, construction work began in two phases on 9 and 15 August respectively.

2.9 Post Work Review

Although the modifications to the scheme have only recently been completed, a number of site visits have been undertaken. It is evident that accidents have occurred along Elvetham Road since the implementation of the original scheme. However, there is little to suggest that the cause is anything other than driver error.

2.10 The build-out adjacent to no. 111 was relocated approximately 20 metres west but in a temporary manner using mono-block kerbing and unlit signs. Following this trial relocation it was considered that due to the close proximity of the other build-outs, the removal of the temporary build-out as a permanent feature would not adversely affect the existing benefits of the scheme.

2.11 Remaining Works

The remaining works for Elvetham Road include a day and night time Road Safety Audit (Stage 3). This will be carried out by Atkins staff independent to the design and implementation to highlight any safety related issues. Following the completion of the audit report any appropriate actions will be carried out.

2.12 Overview

The characteristics of this road, with a 30 mph speed limit and adequate forward visibility to the build-outs when driving with due care and attention, are not unlike other sites where this type of feature has been employed. Experience at other sites demonstrates that traffic calming of this nature is effective at reducing traffic speeds.

2.13 In engineering terms, the traffic calming features used in Elvetham Road:

(i) are designed in accordance with the appropriate standards and best practices;

(ii) can be driven safely when negotiated in accordance with the highway code and given due consideration;

(iii) provide a positive benefit to road safety for all road users, in particular vulnerable users such as the young and elderly, either as cyclists or pedestrians;

(iv) are not considered inappropriate for the area.

2.14 Current Position

It is intended to await the results of the stage 3 road safety audit and then to consider undertaking further surveys and consultation, before deciding whether any further action is appropriate

It should be noted that removal of the traffic calming features (valued at £110,000) would cost approximately £20,000. This would result in increased traffic speeds and would not discourage extraneous traffic.

3. Transport Capital Programme for 2003/04

Hart District Council (HDC) LTP EF STATUS

£000's

Gally Hill Road, Church Crookham 32 Complete

A30 Blackwater Remedial Works 75 Consult

with Town

Council

Murrel Green Public Transport 20 Feasibility

NEHTS Village Traffic Management 50 Design

Recommendation

That this report be noted.

8171/PST