Contact: Colin Taylor, tel 01730 266411 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 This report details the programmes for:

(i) Hampshire Villages Initiative;

(ii) Intelligent Transport Systems;

(iii) Bridgeworks;

(iv) Development Related Works; and

(v) Recreational Cycling.

2. Hampshire Villages Initiative

2.1 The following schemes are in the 2004/05 programme:

(i) Rowlands Castle

Replacement lighting scheme around The Green in Rowlands Castle. Orders for lighting columns have been made - anticipated completion six weeks.

(ii) Headley

New village signs. Design and siting of the signs currently under consideration - anticipated completion 4 months.

(iii) Steep

This scheme consists of improvements to some natural passing bays that have developed in Steep Marsh and to provide two entrance signs. Detailed proposals are currently under discussion - anticipated completion 4 months.

3. Intelligent Transport Systems Group (ITS)

3.1 The ITS Group of the Environment Department is responsible for feasibility, design, implementation, operation and maintenance of traffic control, and traffic and travel information systems throughout Hampshire. Most new implementation is funded through the capital programme or external funding, whilst the maintenance of the central systems and facilities on-street are funded through the revenue budget.

3.2 During 2004/5 the deployment of ITS continues to be significant and includes a large number of new traffic signals, pelican crossings, cycle crossings, real-time bus passenger information systems, car park information systems, variable message signs, bus departure information systems, etc. This has resulted in a significant increase in the scope and

geographic coverage of ITS facilities in Hampshire. The increase in the deployment of ITS will mean increased traffic control facilities, and an enhanced traffic and travel information service can be provided and disseminated through the media and internet.

3.3 An important role of the ITS Group is the maintenance and operation of the traffic control and other associated on-street ITS equipment. The majority of traffic signals and pelican crossings report faults automatically through to the traffic and travel information centre in Winchester and all sites are visited regularly to inspect the condition of the equipment. Any faults are then reported to the appropriate maintenance contractor for remedial action and repairs. Sites are refurbished or replaced through the revenue budget to ensure that equipment is operating in a safe and effective manner and complies with currents standards and regulations.

3.4 It is likely that the provisions contained in the secondary powers of the Traffic Management Act will place greater emphasis on the role of the ITS Group, as the requirements for monitoring and improving the operation of the highway network will place greater responsibilities on the County Council.

3.5 The following schemes are proposed for implementation during 2004/5 within East Hampshire:

(i) A3 Portsmouth Road, Catherington Lane, Hazelton Way, "Dell Piece", Catherington - signal control to replace the roundabout is being investigated as part of the A3 scheme.

(ii) A3 London Road, Lovedean Lane, Cowplain - the site is being investigated for signal control as part of the A3 scheme. Although the site is in Havant, it is on the district boundary and will have an impact on East Hampshire.

4. Bridgeworks

4.1 The Bridges Section of the Environment Department is responsible for inspection maintenance, replacement, load assessment and strengthening of all existing county highway structures, together with new structures built as part of road improvements, housing schemes and industrial developments. Raynesway Construction Southern (RCS) carry out the majority of maintenance, through a term maintenance contract. Some specialist works, such as graffiti removal, and larger schemes, such as bridge replacements, are awarded by tender.

4.2 The majority of bridge maintenance, replacement, assessment and strengthening is capital funded via the Local Transport Plan (LTP), but inspections, routine maintenance and environmental maintenance of subways are revenue funded.

Load Assessment and Strengthening

4.3 This programme was instigated by EU legislation that allowed 40 tonne lorries on UK roads from 1 January 1999. The assessments are now complete and strengthening of sub-standard bridges is ongoing.

Road/Rail Interfaces

4.4 Following the Selby crash in February 2001, parapets and safety fences at road/rail interfaces, the majority of which are bridges, have been evaluated and prioritised, and a rolling programme for protective measures has been started. This will continue over several years, as funding is made available.

Aluminium Parapets

4.5 The Highways Agency has identified that aluminium vehicle parapets made by BACO, installed before 1994, are not to current standards. All such parapets on county bridges have been prioritised and a contract for their replacement has just started. Further information on individual bridges affected is given below.

2004/05 Schemes in East Hampshire

4.6 The parapets were due to be replaced on Coldrey Lodge bridge on the A31 near Bentley, but further structural investigation is needed and the work has been deferred until this is complete.

4.7 The parapets were due to be strengthened on the River Slea bridge on the B3004, near its junction with the A325 at Sleaford. However, the Highways Agency has advised that strengthening is no longer an approved option and therefore complete replacement will be needed. Due to the extra costs involved this has been deferred to the next financial year.

5. Development Related Works

5.1 Works within the East Hampshire area currently being carried out under Section 38 Agreements are detailed in Appendix 1.

5.2 External funding and schemes relevant to that funding are detailed in Appendix 2.

6. Recreational Cycling

6.1 The Environment Department, in partnership with the Recreation and Heritage Department, administers the county-wide Recreational Cycling infrastructure programme, which currently has an allocation of £100,000 from the Transport Capital programme. The principle of supporting the programme has been approved by the Executive Member for Environment, resulting from an earlier review of the Recreational Cycling Strategy (2002-06). This concluded that the prioritisation of the Strategy's delivery in both cycling promotion and facility delivery has considerable potential to assist the implementation of the County Council's Local Transport Plan and Road Traffic Reduction cycle use targets (now under review). The infrastructure programme concentrates on the delivery of important links in the county-wide recreational network. The programme also aims to contribute to the delivery of the National Cycle Route (NCN) and the National Byway, thus giving increased opportunities for cycle use both within Hampshire and linking to strategic networks developed by neighbouring authorities.

2004/05 Schemes in East Hampshire Area

National Cycle Network Route 23 - Basingstoke to Alton and New Alresford

6.2 This project proposes to extend the existing National Cycle Network (NCN) south from Basingstoke to Alton and New Alresford. This will provide opportunities for an increase in cycling in this area, leading to increased cycle trips to school, work and for leisure.

6.3 The overall project comprises three separate schemes, all of which are budgeted for in the 2004/05 recreational cycling budget. These are as follows:

(i) Chawton Park Wood, improvements to bridleway - estimated cost £40,000;

(ii) Hatch Warren Lane/Woods Lane link scheme, Basingstoke - estimated cost £16,000; and

(iii) scheme signing - estimated cost £12,000.

6.4 These proposals have been developed in partnership with Winchester City Council, East Hampshire District Council, Forest Enterprise, Sustrans and local cycle user groups, including Hampshire Cycling and the East Hampshire Cyclists Forum.

6.5 Public consultation on the proposals has been completed. All responses to the consultation have been generally supportive. One specific objection relating to the routeing of the NCN through Chawton Park Farm and Wood was addressed by the Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage at his decision day meeting on 15 June 2004. Next stage: project appraisal report to Councillor Estlin on 12 October 2004; proposed delivery date is February/March 2005.

Recommendation

That this report be noted.

8976/CT