Archived decisions

Contact: Julie Jarvis, ext 6052 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 At the meeting of the Solent Transport Strategy Panel in January 2005, Members considered a deputation referred to it by the Eastleigh Highway and Transport Advisory Panel (HTAP) seeking improvements to the Portsmouth Road/Hamble Lane junction. The Panel requested a report on further possible options for the junction.

2. Background

2.1 At the meeting of the Solent Transport Strategy Panel on 28 January 2005, Members considered a deputation from Eastleigh Borough Councillor Pepper highlighting congestion issues at the Portsmouth Road/Hamble Lane junction. There was particular concern about right turning into and out of Portsmouth Road, which was particularly difficult when congestion levels are high. Members considered that although the installation of a Toucan crossing in close proximity to the junction had had some success there was still a considerable problem at this location. The Panel therefore requested a report on possible options for the junction, and also requested a subsequent report on options for improving access to the Hamble Peninsula.

3. Site Visit

3.1 A site visit took place on 14 April 2005. The visit provided the opportunity for officers to observe traffic flows and volumes at the Hamble Lane/Portsmouth Road junction and for Members to raise issues and concerns. A note of this meeting is attached at Appendix 1. The meeting took place in the evening peak and heavy traffic was observed at the junction and in the vicinity of the Windhover roundabout and adjoining roads. Hamble Lane was congested both north and south bound, with a high proportion of southbound traffic appearing to be turn right into Portsmouth Road.

4. The Way Forward

4.1 The Hamble Lane/Portsmouth Road junction has been the subject of several assessments and consultations over the years. The junction carries a large volume of traffic serving a number of strategic destinations including the Windhover roundabout, M27, the Itchen Bridge and the Hamble Peninsula. On this basis, any potential solution would have to look more widely than just the junction itself. Due to these wider issues joint working with Southampton City Council will be investigated.

4.2 In order to ascertain the current traffic patterns and volumes, and to determine what impact the Toucan crossing is having on traffic movements at this junction, a number of traffic surveys are to be undertaken. The surveys will record the use of the Toucan crossing and its effect on the traffic at this junction. Previous studies and surveys will also be reviewed. The outcomes of these reviews and surveys will be reported back to a future meeting of the Panel.

Recommendations

That:

(i) The report be noted; and

(ii) At a future meeting the Panel receive a report from the Director of Environment on further possible options for the Portsmouth Road/Hamble Lane junction following a comprehensive study into the traffic volumes and flows affecting this junction.

346/JJ

Appendix 1

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT

Note of Site Visit to Hamble Lane/Portsmouth Road Junction

on Thursday, 14 April 2005 @4.30pm

Present:

Dominic McGrath - Hampshire County Council (HCC) Transport Policy

Julie Jarvis - HCC Transport Policy

Jon Ryder - HCC Implementation

Roger Derrick - HCC ITS

Ruth Olcyzk - HCC Traffic Management

Duncan McVey - Eastleigh Borough Council (EBC)

Cllr House - HCC/EBC

Cllr Airey - EBC

Cllr Pepper - EBC

Cllr Holes - EBC

Cllr Millar - EBC

Background

The Hamble Lane/Portsmouth Road junction has been the subject of assessments and consultations over the years. The A3025/B3397 Hamble Lane is the main north-south route serving the Hamble peninsula, whilst the A3025 Portsmouth Road is an east-west route to Southampton via the Itchen bridge. The principal policy objective for this junction is to retain access to and from the peninsula, whilst retaining a degree of access onto and from Portsmouth Road. Studies for a mini roundabout and a signal controlled junction suggested that due to the volume of traffic travelling southbound along Hamble Lane to turn right into Portsmouth Road, local traffic accessing and existing the peninsula would be disadvantaged by the implementation of either scheme. It was also considered that any improvements to traffic movements at this junction could in the long term attract more traffic to this route. Also to implement signals at the junction, land purchase would be required.

Therefore in 2004, a toucan crossing was implemented on Hamble Lane to the south of the junction. As well as improving pedestrian facilities between Old Netley and Lowford it was anticipated that the crossing would assist traffic movements at this junction by creating gaps when the pedestrian crossing is used.

This site visit was arranged in response to the resolution at the Solent Transport Panel on 28 January 2005.

(i) That the Panel receive a report from the Director of Environment on further possible option for the Portsmouth Road/Hamble Lane junction at its next meeting; and

(ii) That a report be received at a future meeting of the Panel setting out the options available for improving access to the Hamble peninsula.

This site visit was an opportunity for officers to observe traffic flows and volumes at the Hamble Lane/Portsmouth Road junction and for Members to raise issues and concerns.

Observations:

The site visit took place between 4.30 - 5.15 pm, during the evening peak period. The following observations were made:

_ Traffic was congested and slow moving southbound along Hamble Lane from Windhover roundabout

_ Traffic queued across the Tesco roundabout, impeding traffic exiting Tesco.

_ Traffic queued across the Jurd Way roundabout with some traffic queuing along Jurd Way to exit onto the roundabout

_ A high volume of southbound traffic appeared to be turning right into Portsmouth Road. Traffic travelling south beyond this junction was impeded by the queue of traffic waiting to turn right. Due to the slow and consistent northbound flow, southbound vehicles could only turn right it allowed by courteous drivers or the activation of the Toucan crossing.

_ There were few pedestrians or cyclists using the Toucan crossing.

_ There were several HCVs turning into and out of Portsmouth Road

_ After 5pm the volume of traffic exiting Portsmouth Road increased and longer queues were observed

_ At the end of the site visit it was noted that although northbound traffic could clear Windhover roundabout, many of the other arms were congested and very slow moving.

Issues and Concerns:

_ Traffic congestion in the area, junction 8, Windhover roundabout, Hamble Lane and the Hamble Lane/Portsmouth Road junction

_ HCVs over-run the kerb westbound on Portsmouth Road

_ The number of HCVs using the junction and their ability to turn onto Hamble Lane from Portsmouth Road, particularly for right turns

_ The capacity of the northern section of Hamble Lane

_ Would the re-phasing of the signals at Windhover roundabout improve the situation?

_ Increased housing means more traffic

_ Local residents think that developer contributions should be collected to improve the Hamble Lane/Portsmouth Road junction

_ Portsmouth Road is an easy route into Southampton. Should all traffic or HCVs be encouraged to use Botley Road South?

The Way Forward:

A report will be prepared for the next Solent Transport Panel, acknowledging the traffic issues along the northern section of Hamble Lane and proposing a potential way forward.

346/JJ