Archived decisions

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

1. Summary

1.1 This report provides a progress update on transport schemes within the 2003/04 and 2004/05 Capital Programme that have been approved for implementation in the Gosport Area. These are set out in the appendix.

1.2 Schemes in the Capital Programme are financed from the Local Transport Plan (LTP), which consists of Central Government basic credit approvals and/or external funding (EF) received from developers or other contributors.

2. Transport Capital Schemes 2003/04

Bridgemary Bus Stops - £100,000 (EF)

2.1 The Passenger Transport group are currently progressing Bus Stop Infrastructure Improvements in the Bridgemary area to the value of £100,000.

2.2 The scheme consists of improvements of 15 bus stops on principal routes through Bridgemary, which includes Tukes Avenue, Gregson, Nobes and Beauchamp Avenue, together with Rowner Lane. These include the refurbishment of ten bus shelters, provision of new bus stop poles, the provision of raised bus border kerbs and new bus stops markings at various locations along the route.

2.3 Work will commence on site on 12 February 2004 for a period of approximately four to five weeks.

3. Transport Capital Schemes 2004/2005

Lee-on-the-Solent Sustainable Suburbs - £100,000

3.1 Feasibility work proposals are being developed by Gosport Borough Council to improve conditions for pedestrians along the High Street by means of footway extensions. An informal presentation was given to the Borough Council Ward Members.

3.2 A public consultation exercise was deferred, however this is now expected to be carried out in the spring of 2004 to help ensure that an agreed scheme can be implemented in 2004/05 as programmed.

Gosport Urban Centre Improvements - £100,000

3.3 Gosport Borough Council has identified a number of substitute schemes intended primarily for improvements to, or provision of, pedestrian and cycle facilities and enhanced access to public transport. A number of possible schemes were discussed with the Gosport Members of the former South East Hampshire Transportation Panel, who have asked that these be evaluated by officers and presented to the Gosport Community and Environment Board for approval.

3.4 The proposed schemes also include a number of small scale measures at various locations in the urban areas of the district. The schemes have been evaluated and were submitted to the Board on 1 March 2004. The schemes recommended for submission to the County Council have been listed in priority order. Discussions are taking place to clarify details.

Fareham and Gosport Bus Quality Partnership - £250,000 LTP £50,000 EF in 2004/05

3.5 A series of studies on bus priority and other measures for the A32 have been completed by consultants Atkins which cover numerous individual projects.

3.6 As set out in the Solent Transport Members Panel, an informal meeting with Hampshire County Council and Gosport Borough Council Members of the panel is to be arranged to discuss the potential schemes along the A32, and which could be taken forward. A draft `Position Statement' on the schemes for the A32 has been prepared with the involvement of Gosport Borough Council and Fareham Borough Council Officers, which will be discussed at this meeting.

3.7 Two separately identified schemes are proposed for 2004/05 are as follows:

(i) Gosport Bus Station - Bus Departure Information System, £100,000; and

(ii) Bus infrastructure improvements - Stage 2, £150,000 and £50,000 EF

Gosport Bus Station - Bus Departure Information System, £100,000

3.8 The proposal is to install a Bus Departure Information System (BDIS) at Gosport Bus Station. The system will comprise seven stand specific signs which will be installed in the bus bays. The signs will provide information to passengers of the next departure from that stand. A central computer will be located at Hoeford Bus Depot and will link to both the Gosport BDIS system and the existing BDIS system at Fareham Bus Station. This will enable the bus operators, First Bus, to make any changes to the information displayed and advise passengers of service changes.

Bus Infrastructure Improvements - Stage 2, £150,000 and £50,000 EF

3.9 Further feasibility work is being undertaken to identify sites for bus infrastructure improvements in the Gosport area. The improvements will include bus stop refurbishments and other improvements to bus stops similar to those currently being implemented in the Bridgemary area.

Newgate Lane/Tukes Avenue Cycleway - £101,000 EF

3.10 This scheme will provide a formalised pedestrian and cycle link between Newgate Lane and Tukes Avenue and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Detailed design has been completed and a Project Appraisal was approved by the Executive Member for Environment on 10 February 2004 which will enable the scheme to proceed to the implementation stage.

3.11 The scheme proposals are to widen the existing footpath along the route to accommodate cycle and footpath use. This includes the provision of a 2-metre wide cycleway along side the footpath which will be segregated by a 150 millimetre wide road marking. Upgrading of the existing street lighting and the provision of pedestrian guard railing and staggered barriers is also proposed. The contractor for the main works is currently being appointed with works expected to commence in May with completion anticipated in June 2004. Preliminary site clearance was started in February to conform to the requirements of the Countryside and Wildlife Act. Gosport Borough Council, Defence Estates and Asda have dedicated land for the improvements, however finalisation of dedication from Gosport is to be completed.

Broom Way Cycleway - £250,000 EF

3.12 This scheme aims to provide an off-road cycle track at the western side of the carriageway with street lighting. A feasibility study has been completed and detailed design is underway. Land and drainage issues will need to be resolved as part of the development of this scheme.

Recommendation

That Members note the progress made on schemes in the Transport Capital Programme and support the schemes approved for inclusion in the Capital Programme for 2004/05.

8574/JR

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