Contact: Chris Lait, tel 01329 824485 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 This report details the programmes for:

(i) Intelligent Transport Systems;

(ii) Bridgeworks; and

(iii) Development Related Works.

2. Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS)

2.1 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.

2.2 During 2004/05 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. This 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. This aspect of traffic and travel information will be further enhanced and integrated locally on a sub-regional basis through close working with the City Councils on the Solent Transport Initiative.

2.3 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 current standards and regulations.

2.4 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.

2.5 The following schemes are proposed for implementation during 2004/05 within Gosport:

(i) Existing cycle crossings on the Peel Common roundabout are to be converted to Toucan crossings. These works are part of the Broom Way cycleway project.

(ii) Bury Cross traffic lights - consultation has been undertaken regarding the provision of additional pedestrian facilities at these lights. Works will be programmed for next year, subject to funding.

3. Bridgeworks

3.1 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. This includes 1,400 road bridges, 300 footbridges and numerous ancillary structures, such as retaining walls and gantries.

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

Load Assessment and Strengthening

3.3 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. There remain about 25 bridges subject to interim measures, such as weight limits or monitoring, that will be strengthened over the next five or six years, funding permitting.

Road/Rail Bridges

3.4 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. With 148 bridges county-wide, this will continue over several years, as funding is made available.

Aluminium Parapets

3.5 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 or strengthening has just been awarded. The timing and extent of work has not yet been finalised. Further information on individual bridges affected is given below.

2004/05 Schemes in Gosport

3.6 No bridges in Gosport are affected by the programmes for replacement of BACO parapets or protective measures at road/rail interfaces. However works are programmed for the Delme flyover and Newgate Lane bridge, Fareham, early in the new year.

Ann's Hill Bridge

3.7 This bridge carries Ann's Hill Road over the disused railway line and has severe deterioration of its concrete fence panels. A contract for replacement of the west panels has been awarded to Mackley Construction, who started work in July and are due to finish in October 2004. Traffic uses a single lane, controlled by signals, during the works.

Replacement of the east panels is planned for a similar period in 2005.

Alver Bridge

3.8 This bridge, which carries the C411 Alver Road over Alver Lake, is not to current standards and has extensive damage to the concrete. Regular inspections and interim repairs are being carried out and a feasibility study is on-going with regard to the long-term solution, which may be a replacement bridge. A bid for funding any works will be made in the LTP submission in July 2005.

4. Development Related Works

Cherque Farm

4.1 Development is continuing on the first phases of this development with highway works well advanced. Planning consent has been granted for the southern section of the link road, Cherque Way, and works will commence shortly. When constructed this will complete the link from Portsmouth Road through to Broom Way. Revised planning applications for the last two phases of development have been submitted.

Priddy's Hard

4.2 Development is well advanced with all residential roads completed and under their maintenance period. The main distributor road, Heritage Way, has now been adopted as publicly maintainable highway, although there are some snagging works still to be completed by the developer. Works to improve the roundabout on Grove Road have been completed. Off-site work still to be completed is to improve the lighting at the Grove Road/San Diego Road junction.

Royal Clarence Yard

4.3 Development is advancing, with existing roads being improved and new roads being constructed. None of these roads have been offered for adoption, including Weevil Lane. No programme has been offered on the construction of the traffic light junction with Mumby Road.

Other Works

4.4 Works within Gosport currently being carried out under a Section 38 or Section 278 Agreements are detailed in Appendix 1.

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

Recommendation

That this report be noted.

9048/CL