Archived decisions

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

1. Summary

1.1 The County Council's Transport Capital Programme identifies funding for individually named integrated transport improvement schemes and also includes other county-wide improvement programmes and block budget allocations.

1.2 The table below shows the county-wide improvement programmes applicable to the Eastleigh area and identifies the funding allocation made from the Local Transport Plan (LTP) for the 2004/05 year. The table also identifies where further information about the works appropriate to each programme can be found on the agenda.

1.3 This report provides a progress update on the named integrated transport schemes within the 2004/05 Transport Capital Programme as approved by the Executive Member for Environment on 14 September 2004, for implementation in the Eastleigh area. These are summarised in the attached appendix. The report also provides a progress update on schemes started in earlier programmes which were incomplete at the last Panel meeting.

1.4 Individual schemes within the Transport Capital Programme are financed from the LTP, which consists of Central Government supported capital expenditure (SCE) and/or external funding (EF) received from developers or other contributors.

1.5 The 2005/06 Transport Capital Programme will be considered in January 2005 by the Environment Policy Review Committee and then the Executive Member for Environment. The programme will be influenced by the level of the Local Transport Settlement for 2005/06 for Hampshire, which will be announced by the Government in December 2004, and by the level of spending commitments carried forward into 2005/06 from the 2004/05 programme. Area Transport Strategy Panels are being asked at the autumn round of meetings to prioritise schemes within their areas to assist the Executive Member for Environment.

2. Transport Capital Schemes 2003/04

Doncaster Drove Cycleway - £95,000 EF

2.1 This scheme provides a cycle route between Stoneham Lane and the Parkway railway station, via Doncaster Drove and Lakeside Country Park. Two Toucan crossings are proposed as part of the route, one on Wide Lane and one on Stoneham Lane.

2.2 From Stoneham Lane the route crosses Monks Brook using the existing footbridge over the brook. The route follows the line of the existing Byway Open to All Traffic, until it reaches the boundary of the Lakeside Country Park, where it follows the southern boundary on a new permissive path. The route follows the existing lightly-trafficked access road and car park for the Country Park until it reaches the A335 Wide Lane.

2.3 The cycle route follows the footway on the western side of Wide Lane which has been widened to accommodate shared use by pedestrians and cyclists. The route crosses the A335 Wide Lane by the station using a Toucan crossing. A short length of footway on the eastern side has been widened to provide access to the railway station. Works to upgrade and set back the street lighting have delayed this project as the original funding provision was insufficient to complete the scheme. Eastleigh Borough Council has provided a contribution of £172,000 towards the cost of the overall scheme, funded from developers' contributions and the Borough Council's own Community Investment Programme.

2.4 Works to complete the scheme have been progressing on-site over the summer and substantial completion took place at the end of September 2004.

Valley Park to Hiltingbury Cycle Route - Stage 1 - £140,000 EF

2.5 The Hursley Road/Hiltingbury Road, Chandlers Ford traffic signal improvements form part of the Knightwood Development Funded Programme for the future provision of the Valley Park to Hiltingbury cycle route.

2.6 The proposals include the installation of a pedestrian phase at the existing traffic signals. The arrangement of this pedestrian phase will allow for the future cycle route to Hiltingbury. For some time there has been local concern over the difficulty of crossing Hursley Road in this area, especially during peak traffic periods.

2.7 The scheme will provide a pedestrian facility on each of the four arms of this junction, with Hursley Road south and Hiltingbury Road being designed to accommodate the future cycle route through the provision of larger `landing pads'.

2.8 The addition of a pedestrian phase at these signals may contribute to some additional delays at this junction. However, by upgrading the signal controller by adding pedestrian detectors, together with `call cancel', it is expected that any additional delays will be reduced to an acceptable level. These works were completed in April 2004.

Wildern Lane Zebra Crossing - £30,000 EF

2.9 This scheme was one of a number funded by Hedge End Area Transport Strategy (HEATS) contributions, and was given a high priority by Members. It was constructed in December 2003; however, the upgrading of the street lighting remained outstanding. This work has now been completed.

Eastleigh Decriminalised Parking - £125,000 SCE

2.10 This budget allocation supports the introduction of decriminalised parking in the Borough of Eastleigh, which became effective on 1 October 2004. Preparatory work has been undertaken by Eastleigh Borough Council, including the review of all Traffic Regulation Orders and the establishment of a dedicated office in the town centre. Further details about this scheme are reported in the Traffic Management item elsewhere on the agenda.

Waitrose Development Package - Oakmount Road and Winchester Road - £100,000 EF

2.11 Following consultation with the working group and the public on 22 October 2002, this scheme aimed to address three areas of concern:

(i) the anticipated problems of rat-running in Peverells Road, Peverells Wood Avenue and Constantine Avenue;

(ii) the safety of children and parents crossing Peverells Wood Avenue to access the play area; and

(iii) speed-related loss of control accidents on the bend of Oakmount Road to the east of Constantine Avenue.

2.12 The scheme included the following improvements:

(i) gateway features at the junctions with Peverells Road and Constantine Avenue. These consist of landscaped pinch-points with gateway signing on the side roads;

(ii) a pedestrian refuge by the children's play area in Peverells Wood Avenue; and

(iii) anti-skid surfacing, centre line hatching and localised widening with additional signing on the bend in Oakmount Road east of the junction with Constantine Avenue.

2.13 In addition, gateway features have been added at the junctions of Peverells Wood Avenue and Alexandra Road with Winchester Road. All works were completed in April 2004. A post-implementation meeting with local Members has been undertaken, where positive feedback about the measures was received.

3. Transport Capital Programme 2004/05

Valley Park to Toynbee School Cycleway - £235,000 EF

3.1 The first phase of this work has been completed as a part of the Chandler's Ford railway station scheme and involved the construction of a ramp providing a shared use pedestrian and cycle facility from the station to Bournemouth Road.

3.2 Phase II forms part of the Knightwood Development Funded Programme and is aimed at providing a valuable connection between the railway station and the residential areas near Toynbee School. The project forms part of Eastleigh Borough Council's proposed cycle network, and will ultimately contribute to a safer route for pupils and staff attending the school.

3.3 The Phase II works will complete the scheme from the station area to Meon Crescent and will include:

(i) conversion of the existing Pelican crossing on Bournemouth Road to a Toucan crossing;

(ii) conversion of the footway on the eastern side of Bournemouth Road (between the Toucan crossing and the Central Precinct car park), including the footpath link to Meon Crescent, to shared use footway/cycleway; and

(iii) widening of the footway in front of the Central Precinct, including the relocation of the bus stop and a telephone box.

3.4 Detailed design of the scheme has been completed and a project appraisal is being prepared for consideration by the Executive Member for Environment in November. The costs of the proposed scheme exceed the originally approved sums, which has necessitated the further report to the Executive Member. The scheme has, however, attracted a grant from SUSTRANS, which will off-set some of the cost increases. Approval of the project appraisal will enable construction work to start in January 2005.

Eastleigh Quality Bus Partnership - Access to Bus Station - £50,000 EF

3.5 This proposal was one of a number of schemes which make up the Eastleigh Quality Bus Partnership - a partnership between the County Council, Eastleigh Borough Council, Solent Blue Line and First - with the aim of improving services, roadside infrastructure and passenger facilities. The scheme aims to introduce Selective Vehicle Detection (SVD) at the signals on Southampton Road (outside the rail station). This will assist buses making the right turn towards the bus station area, as the signals are triggered by the presence of the bus. Work is expected to commence at the end of September and be completed before this Panel meeting.

Eastleigh Controlled Parking Zones - £175,000 EF

3.6 This scheme relates to the provision of a controlled parking zone and restricted parking zone in Eastleigh, using developer contributions from the Pirelli and Causton sites.

3.7 The scheme is being developed by officers at Eastleigh Borough Council and is detailed elsewhere on the agenda.

Hedge End Rail Station Improvements - £60,000 EF

3.8 This scheme was identified as one of the priorities within the HEATS, and detailed design of the scheme is now complete.

3.9 The proposals aim to improve access to the rail station for buses by altering the central island circulatory movements outside the station from two-way traffic to one-way traffic, thus improving the bus turning facility. The existing bus stop is to be relocated to a position directly in front of the station. The kerbing at the relocated bus stop is to be replaced with kerbs suitable for low-floor buses, which will improve access for users with mobility difficulties.

3.10 Traffic Regulation Orders are being prepared for Stroudley Way in order to introduce parking controls, with the aim of improving safety for buses, cyclists and pedestrians accessing the station, by limiting the amount of parking and creating passing places for traffic.

3.11 The markings within the station car park are to be redrawn. The existing layout provides spaces which are too narrow and consequently are not adhered to. By re-marking the car park it is expected that capacity can be improved slightly. This is, however, subject to further investigation by officers from Eastleigh Borough Council.

3.12 Implementation of this scheme is expected to follow completion of the traffic calming scheme at Maunsell Way.

Maunsell Way, Hedge End, Traffic Calming - £350,000 EF

3.13 This scheme is another of the HEATS schemes and is currently at construction stage. The measures aim to improve speed management on Maunsell Way and so improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists. The measures include:

(i) a proposed school safety zone outside Berrywood Primary School which will include signed gateways, road narrowing and formalised crossing areas;

(ii) new footways and cycleways being constructed to provide a continuous pedestrian/cycle shared use facility along Maunsell Way;

(iii) the existing priority junctions at Locke Road, Drummond Road and Stroudley Way to be converted to mini-roundabouts; and

(iv) the existing informal pedestrian crossing points along Maunsell Way to be rationalised by either removing, upgrading or installing additional crossing facilities. Localised street lighting upgrades will be undertaken where existing priority junctions are being converted to mini-roundabouts.

3.14 Works commenced at the beginning of the school summer holidays with the aim of minimising disruption to the school, residents and other road users. Work is expected to be completed during November 2004.

Chestnut Avenue Puffin Crossing by Falkland Road - £75,000 EF

3.15 This proposal aims to provide a signal-controlled pedestrian crossing on Chestnut Avenue, to the north-west of the Falkland Road/Tollgate roundabout. The scheme aims to improve conditions for pedestrians accessing the recent developments on the south side of Chestnut Avenue. The scheme originally formed part of the planned cycle route from Falkland Road to Stoneham Lane; however, detailed design of the whole cycle route is not sufficiently advanced to enable a start of work this financial year. The cycle route now forms part of the draft 2005/06 programme, which will be considered for approval by the Executive Member for Environment in January 2005. It is intended that the controlled crossing will be implemented initially as a Puffin crossing and modified to a Toucan crossing when the cycle route is implemented.

3.16 The detailed design of the proposed crossing has identified that the existing central island, which prohibits a right turn into a side access, will have to be removed for pedestrian safety reasons. It is proposed that a Traffic Regulation Order to ban this manoeuvre will be incorporated into the scheme.

3.17 A project appraisal for the controlled crossing is expected to be considered by the Executive Member for Environment in December and, if approved, works are expected to commence early in the new year.

A27 Botley Road North, Hedge End, Bus Access - £315,000 SCE, £100,000 EF

3.18 As part of a partnership agreement signed in March 2003, the County Council, Eastleigh Borough Council and Southampton City Council agreed to develop proposals for a bus-only connection that will provide a more direct link for bus routes between Hedge End and the city of Southampton. The bus company is willing to enhance bus services in parallel with the provision of this link.

3.19 The proposal is to allow buses to travel the whole length of Botley Road between the A3024 and the A27, thereby avoiding Windhover roundabout and permitting an improved service. It is proposed that cyclists, pedestrians and emergency vehicles will also be able to use this link. However, measures are being investigated to ensure safe and efficient operation of the restricted access for these transport modes. Currently about one third has been converted to a cycleway with verges, and the third nearest the A27 is a single track road leading to a travellers' site. A significant length of the road lies within Southampton and several officer meetings, including bus company representatives, have taken place to secure a satisfactory scheme. The scheme is currently at the detailed design stage for both the link road and the proposed traffic signal controlled junction on the A27.

Hamble Lane Toucan Crossing (near Portsmouth Road junction) - £50,000 EF, £19,000 SCE (Pedestrian Crossing Programme)

3.20 The Toucan crossing at Portsmouth Road/Hamble Lane is a proposal in the Hamble Area Transport Strategy (HATS) which was adopted by the County Council and Eastleigh Borough Council in December 2003.

3.21 The Toucan crossing will improve pedestrian and cycling facilities between Old Netley and Lowford. The Toucan crossing may also assist traffic movements at the Hamble Lane/Portsmouth Road junction by creating gaps in traffic flows when the pedestrian crossing is used. This will increase opportunities for vehicles to make the right turn in and right turn out of Portsmouth Road. The crossing has now been installed and all works are complete.

Eastleigh Quality Bus Partnership - Leigh Road Selective Vehicle Detection - £70,000 SCE

3.22 As part of the Eastleigh Quality Bus Partnership, this proposal aims to introduce a SVD system on the five existing traffic signal-controlled junctions along Leigh Road between Bournemouth Road and Romsey Road. The traffic signals sensor equipment recognises the approaching bus and changes the signals in its favour. By calling upon green lights, the system is expected to improve journey times and punctuality for buses, especially during peak traffic-flow times. Investigation work to ascertain the benefits and disbenefits of this proposal at each junction is continuing and includes consultation with the Highways Agency concerning the junctions of the M3 with Leigh Road.

Eastleigh Quality Bus Partnership - Bus Stop Infrastructure Improvements - £200,000 SCE

3.23 A total of £200,000 has been allocated to enable the programme of roadside infrastructure improvements on the Eastleigh Area Quality Bus Partnership routes to continue. The proposals are currently being prioritised and include the provision of new shelters, raised kerbs, improved pedestrian access and passenger information at bus stops along the routes. Priority sites have been identified by both Solent Blue Line and First bus operators on Route 2, now known as `Bluestar 2', (Fair Oak-Eastleigh-Stoneham-Southampton), Route 9/9A (Hamble-Netley-Bursledon-Hedge End-West End-Eastleigh-Colden Common-Winchester) and Route 16 (Hamble-Netley-Southampton). Delivery of the project is being managed by the Engineering Services Unit at Eastleigh Borough Council in partnership with the Eastleigh Area Quality Bus Partnership Working Group.

Hound Road Cycleway, Netley - £125,000 EF

3.24 The Hound Road cycleway is identified in the Hamble School Travel Plan and the HATS. A total of £125,000 has been allocated (£15,000 developer contribution and £110,000 from Eastleigh Borough Council) for implementation of the scheme. Eastleigh Borough Council is undertaking the preliminary design of this scheme, which aims to provide an off-road route from the railway bridge on St Mary's Road, along Hound Way and Hound Road to Hamble Lane and Hamble Secondary School. Preliminary design is continuing; however a crossing point for pedestrians and cyclists on Hound Road requires further investigation.

Romsey Road/Twyford Road, Eastleigh - £36,000 EF

3.25 This scheme aims to improve conditions for pedestrians at this junction by increasing the size of the traffic separation islands at the roundabout and through the provision of two additional pedestrian refuges. One will be sited on the Station Hill approach and one on Twyford Road, approximately 15 metres north of the roundabout. Widening of the existing traffic separation islands on Romsey Road and Bishopstoke Road is also proposed, as is widening of the footway leading from Romsey Road to Twyford Road. Modifications to the existing guard-railing will be undertaken to help ensure pedestrians cross the road at the appropriate locations.

3.26 A developer contribution of £36,000 is available for the works and an additional £50,000 for the scheme is expected to be made available by Eastleigh Borough Council, with a further contribution of £21,000 by Eastleigh Borough Council for the possible future provision of a sculpture on the roundabout.

3.27 The scheme for the pedestrian improvements is currently at the detailed design stage and a project appraisal is expected to be submitted to the Executive Member for Environment in December 2004. If approved, work is expected to commence in January 2005.

Bournemouth Road (ASDA) Pedestrian Crossing, Chandlers Ford - £80,000 EF

3.28 Developer funding has been obtained for the improvement of pedestrian facilities in this area. New development has added to the existing pedestrian flow between Hampshire Corporate Park to the west of Bournemouth Road and ASDA hypermarket to the east, and the implementation of the controlled crossing will improve conditions and safety for pedestrians.

3.29 A project appraisal for the installation of a signal-controlled Puffin crossing on Bournemouth Road for the scheme was approved in February 2004 by the Executive Member for Environment. Construction work began in April 2004 and all works have now been completed.

Kipling Road Traffic Management - £30,000 EF

3.30 Funded from the Caustons development, this scheme aims to discourage traffic from using Kipling Road as a rat-run between Woodside Avenue and Leigh Road in order to avoid the traffic signals. A preliminary design has been prepared by design consultants Atkins for a scheme incorporating speed cushions. Consultation with officers at Eastleigh Borough Council is currently taking place as the proposal may be extended into part of Brookwood Avenue, where on-street parking controls are currently being considered by Eastleigh Borough Council. Further consultation with residents will be undertaken as required by Traffic Calming Regulations once the scheme details are confirmed. Subject to the satisfactory conclusion of the consultation period, construction work is proposed to commence in the spring.

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.

8888/JR