Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - SPATIAL STRATEGY

ITEM 2

PROJECT APPRAISAL

PROJECT:

LYMINGTON CYCLES - A337 MILFORD ROAD TO BELMORE ROAD

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

MARCH 2005

COMPLETION DATE:

APRIL 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 Oct 04

(at Oct 04

prices)

prices)

Capital Expenditure

£'000

£'000

Land to be purchased

Nil

Nil

Construction

69

69

Fees

13

13

82

82

Less developers/

-

-

other contributions

82

82

Financial provision for total scheme

Total Cost

1.

From Committees own resources

(a) Capital programme (as above)

82

(b) Other

82

2.

From other resources

(a)

(b)

(c)

TOTAL

82

Value of land for this project in HCC ownership £nil

Variations from capital programme

Revenue implications

£'000

% variation

to Committee's

budget

Net current expenditure

1

0.001

Capital charges

7

0.006

TOTAL net expenditure

8

0.007

2.

STATEMENT OF NEED/JUSTIFICATION FOR PROJECT

(Client Department)

This scheme was identified in the Lymington Cycle Route Feasibility Study undertaken in 2001. The main objective of the scheme is to provide a new and improved pedestrian and cycle route facility between Lymington town centre and the school/recreation centre. This will improve safety and offer an alternative mode of travel to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality in this part of Lymington.

This route forms part of the overall cycle network plan for the Lymington area. Other sections are planned in future financial years which will result in a complete cycle route network linking key areas in the town, ie shopping, recreation and businesses.

The nearby Pennington Infant and Junior Schools have achieved Stage 3 with their School Travel Plan (STP). One of the key aims and objectives of the STP is to reduce travel to school by car by encouraging more cycling and walking. This scheme therefore accords with the STP.

Traffic counts undertaken on A337 Milford Road show that at present there are approximately 100 cycle movements per 12-hour day. With increasing traffic on this section of Milford Road it is considered that this figure should be maintained as the minimum target; but with cyclists using the shared use cycle track instead of the A337 Milford Road.

The accident record for this section of A337 Milford Road shows that there have been four personal injury accidents in the last three years, of which one involved a cyclist. The proposed cycle track will significantly reduce conflict between cyclists and other road traffic.

3.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL (Client Department)

National/County Network and Policies

The provision of an off-road shared use cycle track/footway along the A337 Milford Road and an on-road advisory route along Belmore Road accords with the main aims and objectives of the New Forest Transport Strategy (incorporating the Coastal Towns Transport Strategy). These aims and objectives are supported through the New Forest District Local Plan, the local Transport Plan and the New Forest Cycle Strategy Plan.

Details of Scheme and Design Standards

This scheme will provide:

(i) a shared use cycle track/footway along the eastern side of the A337 Milford Road between Pennington Cross and Belmore Road, and continue along Belmore Road as an on-road advisory cycle lane; and

(ii) an uncontrolled crossing point for cyclists and pedestrians at the Pennington Cross roundabout with an enlarged splitter island on the approach to the roundabout and coloured surface treatment across the carriageway.

A structure will also be provided to bridge an existing open culvert. This will provide sufficient width for a shared use cycle track/footway near the Belmore Road junction.

The advisory on-road cycle lane along Belmore Road will comprise on-road white lining and painted cycle motifs.

The design of this scheme was carried out in accordance with the Department for Transport's standards, together with those of the County Council.

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

Environmental Impact

The proposed shared use cycle track/pedestrian footway will make use of the existing footway to minimise the loss of grass verge on some sections of the route.

The Environment Agency has been consulted on the proposed structure over the existing open culvert and has approved the measures to be undertaken.

Once completed the scheme will create a safer environment for both cyclists and pedestrians.

Land Requirements

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

Statutory Procedures

The conversion of the footway to shared cycle/pedestrian use will be carried out under Sections 65 and 66 of the Highways Act 1980.

Public Consultation

Consultation on this scheme has taken place with Lymington Town Council which has given its support to the proposals. Public consultation has not been undertaken due to the nature of the scheme.

Local Member's View

The local Member, Councillor Hayes, supports the proposals.

Equalities

The needs of the disabled have been considered in the design of the scheme with the inclusion of dropped kerbs and tactile paving.

Maintenance Implications

The maintenance implications of this proposal will be taken into consideration when setting the annual base budget.

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

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

Sustainability

The proposed scheme will provide a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists who travel along this route. It will also encourage more people to walk and cycle between the town centre and the local schools and recreation centre thereby reducing the use of fossil fuels in motorised transport.

4.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT - ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

(Client Department)

An option to construct a cycle track on the opposite side of the carriageway (western side) on Milford Road was considered at the feasibility stage of the scheme development. However this option was rejected as there are several mature trees on the existing verge which have Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) on them; this would have resulted in the cycle track having to be separated from the existing footway and having to meander around the trees. It was considered that this alignment would not have encouraged cyclists to use the route due to concern over personal security and safety as a result of the trees limiting visibility.

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

A337 Milford Road and Belmore Road Cycle Route working file.

Environment Department

Room 415