Contact: Jonathan Ryder, ext 5162 email: [email protected] email: [email protected]

1. Summary

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

2. Transport Capital Scheme - Progress

A27 Porchester Road Fareham Cycle Scheme - £680,000

2.1 The scheme involves the provision of a shared footway/cycleway facility on the south side of the A27 between Beaulieu Avenue and Shearwater Avenue (Phase 1) by widening the existing footway, and also the upgrading of the existing shared footway/cycleway between Shearwater Avenue and the Delme Arms roundabout (Phase 2). The works include widening and reconstruction of the existing footway, replacement of the street lighting, drainage works, and upgrading of the traffic signals at the junctions of the A27 Cams Hill with Shearwater Avenue to include Toucan crossings. The works commenced in April 2003 and Phase 1 was substantially completed in August 2003. The construction of Phase 2 is currently in progress and programmed for completion in mid-November 2003.

Fareham Bus Station - £160,000 (forming part of the Fareham Gosport Bus Partnership)

2.2 This scheme has made improvements to the safety, information, accessibility and comfort of the bus station. Electronic display departure boards and improved shelters have been installed. The bus boarding area has had more accessible kerbs installed and a new design of barrier has been constructed to enhance safety in the pedestrian areas. Work was completed in September 2003

Fareham Town Centre Signing - £150,000

2.3 This scheme is to provide a comprehensive system of new direction signing in and around Fareham town centre to provide drivers, including heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs), with clear directional information to local destinations by the most appropriate routes. Signs are currently being erected, and completion is expected in November 2003.

Hill Road/Station Road, Porchester - £55,000

2.4 This traffic management scheme is being implemented to reduce vehicle speeds and assist with the safety of all road users. Traffic calming measures have been implemented on Hill Road, and these were completed in July 2003.

2.5 A trial priority system is in place at the Porchester Station railway bridge. This was introduced as a means of providing a widened footway link under the railway bridge to enable safe access for families with pushchairs and disabled people in wheelchairs. The consequence of this was a narrowing of the carriageway to one lane. Priority has been given to traffic travelling north away from the A27, to avoid any possibility of queues affecting the A27 roundabout. South-bound traffic from Hill Road is required to give way. The performance of this priority system is being monitored and will be reviewed in January 2004.

2.6 Due to concerns about visibility through the bridge for approaching traffic, amendments were made to the original layout which involved the installation of temporary monoblock kerbing under the bridge and additional carriageway markings on the approaches to the priority system. Monitoring is continuing before a recommendation can be made on whether to make the scheme permanent.

2.7 An HCV survey was undertaken at the top of Hill Road in response to local concerns. Subsequently it was agreed that the number of HCV vehicles was not sufficient to justify consideration of an environmental weight limit at the present time. A further survey will be undertaken in six months' time to review the situation when the Hill Road traffic calming scheme has become established.

Home Zone Project, Portchester

2.8 Following the second public exhibition of the proposals in July, consultation with the residents and other consultees has been ongoing to conclude the detail design for the project. Detailed plans of the scheme will be available at the meeting for Members to view.

2.9 The works include:

(i) resurfacing of the carriageway and footway with removal of kerbs to provide a single surface;

(ii) entry gateways and signing into the home zone;

(iii) parking and landscape areas arranged to encourage low speed;

(iv) provision of new street lighting; and

(v) an additional number vehicular crossings to permit front garden parking.

2.10 The Scheme Project Appraisal has been approved by both Fareham Borough Council and Hampshire County Council and funding totalling £1 million has been secured. Contract documents are out to tender and it is anticipated that works will commence early in the new year in accordance with the project timetable.

2.11 Traffic Regulation Orders designating the home zone and extending the 20 mph speed limit from West Street to cover Jubilee Road, Queen Mary Road and the home zone area are currently being advertised. Subject to any objections received, this will enable implementation of the orders as soon as practical within the project timetable.

2.12 The residents' working group has also been actively involved in agreeing the proposed construction phasing which will require temporary road closures. Generally works will be ongoing in two locations simultaneously. Working will be in limited areas which will progress along the street, thereby limiting disruption immediately to the front of properties to approximately three weeks. Works will be ongoing at other times, for example street lighting and utility works will be completed first throughout the area, but minimal disruption is sought.

2.13 The final phase of works will be planting of the landscape areas, which is programmed to be carried out at the end of 2004, enabling all the Department for Transport challenge funding to be claimed prior to March 2005 in accordance with the grant conditions.

2.14 Engagement of Portchester Community School is ongoing, where students are involved in producing a number of designs for street name plates. Both Portchester Community School and Castle Junior School will be involved in consultation prior to the start of works, to ensure that pupils understand the health and safety requirements for the project and also to try to minimise the impact of school traffic on the works.

Whiteley Bus Infrastructure - £100,000

2.15 This is the provision of bus infrastructure improvements within the Whiteley area to promote public transport use. The scheme provides improved bus stop waiting facilities, new bus shelters, kerbs and covered information displays. The scheme was completed in August 2003.

2.16 Shelter ownership has been handed to Fareham Borough Council and Whiteley Parish Council for maintenance purposes.

Fareham Rail Station - £50,000

2.17 Installation of closed circuit television and cycle storage. Work was completed in May 2003.

Miller Drive, Fareham - £60,000

2.18 This scheme consisted of the installation of speed cushions from Park Lane through to the end of the cul-de-sac at Lynton Gardens. From Miller Drive to Highlands Road there was a widening of an existing footpath link to form a shared cycleway and provision of an advisory on road cycle measures along both sides of Miller Drive, formed with red surfacing. The scheme was completed in March 2003.

Abshot Road/Warsash Road Locksheath £250,000

2.19 This is a traffic management scheme that was implemented to ease traffic movements from the side roads and to reduce traffic speeds on the main road.

2.20 A new mini-roundabout was installed, with an extension of the 30 mph speed limit to the east of the junction. The scheme was substantially completed in January 2003, however street lighting proposed as part of the scheme on Warsash Road between Abshot Road and Locks Road is currently underway, and is expected to be completed by December 2003.

3. Transport Capital Programme for 2003/04

Recommendation

That this report be noted.

8354/JR