Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - ENVIRONMENT

PROJECT APPRAISAL

PROJECT:

B2177/B3354 ROUTE CORRIDOR - COLDEN COMMON

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

DECEMBER 2004

COMPLETION DATE:

FEBRUARY 2005

PLANNED YEAR OF START IN ACCORDANCE WITH CAPITAL PROGRAMME: 2004/05

1.

FINANCE (Client Department, Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services [Estates Practice] and County Treasurer)

Current

Capital

Estimate

Programme

(at Aug 04

(at Aug 04

prices)

prices)

Capital Expenditure

£'000

£'000

Land to be purchased

Nil

Nil

Construction

150

150

Fees - include extensive feasibility design, consultation, detailed design and supervision

50

50

200

200

Less developers/

Nil

Nil

other contributions

200

200

Financial provision for total scheme

Total Cost

1.

From Committees own resources

(a) Capital programme (04/05)

200*

(b) Other

2.

From other resources

(a)

(b)

(c)

TOTAL

200*

Value of land for this project in HCC ownership £

Variations from capital programme

Revenue implications

£'000

% variation

to Committee's

budget

Net current expenditure

1

0.001

Capital charges

13

0.011

TOTAL net expenditure

14

0.012

2.

STATEMENT OF NEED/JUSTIFICATION FOR PROJECT

(Client Department)

Colden Common is in Winchester district and is covered by the Central Hampshire Transport Strategy (CHTS), which includes a commitment to develop a route strategy for the B2177/B3354 Twyford to Wickham corridor. The initial scheme for Twyford was completed in September 2003. Colden Common is the second village to be progressed, with Bishop's Waltham and Wickham to follow.

This traffic management scheme aims to improve safety and convenience for pedestrians and reduce traffic speeds on Main Road. The scheme has developed following a review of traffic conditions in Colden Common, and of pedestrian movements along and across the B3354 which severs the settlement, separating a large proportion of the population (who live west of the B3354) from the leisure facilities to the east. The B3354 Main Road is primarily residential in nature running.

The 12 hour Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) flows on the section of Main Road which is the subject of the project is 14,000 vehicles. Current accident data shows 12 slight accidents in the period 1 June 2001 to 31 May 2004.

Priority issues have been identified and proposals developed in partnership with Colden Common Parish Council which supports the proposals.

3.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL (Client Department)

National/County Network and Policies

This scheme is consistent with the objectives and proposals of the Central Hampshire Transport Strategy and the Winchester District Deposit Local Plan 2001 of improving pedestrian safety and vehicle speed management in Colden Common.

Details of Scheme and Design Standards

The scheme has been designed to meet the objectives of improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians. The improved speed management is expected to benefit all road users.

The scheme consists of lowering the speed limit along the B3354 through the village from 40 mph to 30 mph. New gateways will be located at the start of the proposed 30 mph limit on the approaches to the village from the north and south. Edge of carriageway white lining and pedestrian central islands are also included. The pedestrian refuges are expected to benefit local residents crossing either side of Spring Lane to access the sports ground, children using the bus stop north of Vear's Lane and people going to The Holy Trinity Church.

The primary features of the scheme are:

(i) 30 mph speed limit;

(ii) gateways at the southern and northern end located at the 30 mph speed limit signs;

(iii) four pedestrian central islands;

(iv) two traffic islands (to help reduce traffic speeds);

(v) to widen three splitter islands on Church Lane roundabout; and

(vi) new edge of carriageway white lining to provide visual narrowing of carriageway.

A location plan is attached and a detailed scheme plan will be displayed at the meeting.

The design conforms to the standards of the Department for Transport, as well as to Hampshire County Council standards, and has been subjected to the safety audit process.

Environmental Impact

The scheme will contribute to the safer and improved environment for pedestrians and vulnerable road users. There are no adverse impacts expected.

Land Requirements

No land acquisition required. All works to be confined within existing public highway limits.

Statutory Procedures

None required to implement the engineering elements of the scheme. Statutory procedures associated with the proposed 30 mph speed limit are currently being progressed. The outcome will either be reported to the Executive Member or determined under delegated powers, as appropriate.

Public Consultation

A formal public consultation was carried out during October 2003. A total of 160 people attended the exhibition and 62 responses were received. A total of 79% supported the scheme with none opposing. Some minor changes were made, however, as a result of comments received.

Extensive discussions with Colden Common Parish Council have been ongoing through the project's life.

Where possible, the design process has been responsive to issues raised by the Parish Council and through the public consultation process.

One of the main comments from the public consultation was the request to lower the speed limit from 40 mph to 30 mph. Discussions were held with the Police, who agreed that in this instance there would be maximum impact to be gained from the scheme by bringing into force the lower speed limit at the same time as the traffic management works are installed. Police support for the lower speed limit is dependent upon the engineering works progressing.

Local Member's View

The local Member, Councillor Mason, supports these proposals.

Equalities

The traffic islands and lower speed limit will make it considerably easier for pedestrians to cross the road. Particular benefits for the elderly, children and those with mobility impairments will result, improving accessibility to local facilities and reducing community severance.

Maintenance Implications

Special surfaces will need maintenance.

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

The provisions of this Act have no impact on this proposal.

Sustainability

The scheme will improve the environment for walking and may help reduce dependence on the motor car for local trips. The contract documents encourage maximum use of recycled materials and minimise disposal of waste to tip.

4.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT - ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

(Client Department)

These proposals are considered to provide the best option to reduce traffic speeds and to provide safer crossing points for pedestrians.

The option of not having the proposed 30 mph speed limit, thereby reducing the extent of the speed reduction measures required, was considered. This option, though, was rejected on the grounds that there is considerable benefit to be gained from progressing the 30 mph speed limit with the scheme rather than waiting until completion.

The agreed Capital Programme allowance is £130,000. Approval is sought elsewhere on the agenda to increase the allocation to £200,000. The increase relates to the range of safety features which need to be included in the scheme in order to introduce the proposed 30 mph speed limit.

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

None.