Contact: Jon 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 allocations.

1.2 The table below shows the county-wide improvement programmes that are applicable, and identifies the funding allocation made from the Local Transport Plan (LTP) for 2005/06. 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 2005/06 Transport Capital Programme, as approved by the Executive Member for Environment: South Hampshire and Resource Management on 13 September 2005, 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 meeting.

1.4 Individual schemes within the Transport Capital Programme are financed from the LTP, which consists of Central Government supported capital expenditure. In addition schemes may receive external funding (EF) from developers or other contributors.

2. Capital Schemes 2004/05

Valley Park to Toynbee School Cycleway - £285,000 EF

2.1 The first phase of this work was 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.

2.2 Phase II forms part of the Knightwood Development Funded Programme and provides a valuable connection between the railway station and the residential areas near Toynbee School. The route crosses Bournemouth Road via a new Toucan crossing by the entrance to the station and is constructed on the east side of Bournemouth Road as an off-road facility. The route includes a widened footway in front of the Central Precinct and links through to Meon Crescent with a shared use footway and cycleway.

2.3 A project appraisal was approved by the former Executive Member for Environment in November 2004. The works commenced in mid-April 2005 and were substantially completed at the end of June 2005. A pre- opening safety audit has been completed which has identified some minor items for remedial work, including the provision of tactile paving where the route changes from segregated to shared use.

2.4 An automatic cycle counter has been installed which will be used to help monitor levels of use of the new facility.

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

2.5 This is 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 proposal aims to help improve journey times and punctuality for buses along the Leigh Road Corridor in Eastleigh. It is intended to introduce a Selective Vehicle Detection (SVD) system at the following existing traffic signal controlled junctions along Leigh Road:

(i) Romsey Road/Upper Market Street;

(ii) Romsey Road/Leigh Road;

(iii) Leigh Road/Passfield Avenue/Woodside Avenue;

(iv) Leigh Road/M3 Southbound Slip Road;

(v) Leigh Road/Travel Inn;

(vi) Leigh Road/Oakmount Road; and

(vii) Leigh Road/Bournemouth Road.

2.6 Traffic signals sensor equipment recognises the approaching bus and the signals respond, either by extending the green signal time for the approaching bus or, if the signal facing the bus is at red, by reducing the green time on the opposing approaches, thus enabling a green light for the bus to be quickly achieved.

2.7 A project appraisal for the scheme was approved by the Executive Member for Environment on 11 January 2005, and work to implement the measures was expected to start in late March 2005. The works are now proposed to be undertaken in the autumn and be fully operational early in the new year. The delayed start is due to developments with the SVD software, which has been improved to give more priority to approaching buses by enabling the signal controller to skip signal stages to give a green light to a waiting bus sooner. Most of the work involves signal equipment modifications; however some minor civil engineering work is required which will be undertaken in off-peak periods.

Eastleigh Quality Bus Partnership Bus Infrastructure - £200,000 LTP

2.8 A total of £200,000 was allocated to enable the programme of roadside infrastructure improvements on the Eastleigh Area Quality Bus Partnership routes to continue. The proposals include the provision of new bus shelters, raised kerbs, improved pedestrian access and passenger information at bus stops along the selected routes. Priority sites have been identified by both Solent Blue Line on Route 2, now known as `Bluestar 2', (Fair Oak-Eastleigh-Stoneham-Southampton), on Route 9 (Southampton-Bursledon-Hedge End-West End-Eastleigh and 9A (Hamble-Bursledon-Hedge End-West End-Eastleigh), 49/49A (Eastleigh-Shawford/Colden Common-Winchester) and by First on 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.

2.9 Work to install improved access facilities at 51 bus stops along the routes commenced in January 2005 and was substantially completed, together with 18 new bus shelters, at the end of July 2005.

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

2.10 This scheme forms part of the Hedge End Area Transport Strategy. The measures aim to improve speed management on Maunsell Way and improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists. The measures include traffic calming pinch points, pedestrian refuges, new footways, cycleways, and new mini-roundabouts at the junctions of Locke Road, Drummond Road and Stroudley Way.

2.11 Works commenced at the beginning of the 2004 school summer holidays and were substantially completed in December 2004, however some items of work remain outstanding. These include minor road markings, electrical connections for street furniture and some cycle route signage. Modifications are also proposed to a pinch-point by Giles Close. Unfortunately, with the main contractor going into administration, a delay with the completion of these outstanding works has occurred. Partnering consultant, Atkins, is rescheduling the work through an alternative contractor and the work will be implemented as soon as possible.

2.12 Post implementation monitoring of the scheme has taken place to determine the impact of the scheme on traffic speeds. The results are encouraging as speed management has improved throughout the route, but varies according to location. In the vicinity of Berrywood School compliance with the speed limit has improved, with average speeds now in the region of 25 mph (85%ile 30 mph). Near the junction with Watkin Road mean speeds are now typically in the order of 28 mph, (85%ile 34 mph) however between Stroudley Way and Tollbar Way mean speeds of 32 mph (85%ile 38 mph) are more typical.

Eastleigh Controlled Parking Zones - £175,000 EF

2.13 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.

2.14 The scheme is being developed by officers at Eastleigh Borough Council and is detailed in the Traffic Management report elsewhere on the agenda.

A335/B3037 Twyford Road Roundabout, Eastleigh - £96,000 EF

2.15 This scheme improves 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 is 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 has also been undertaken, as has the widening of the footway leading from Romsey Road to Twyford Road. Modifications to the guard-railing have been undertaken to help ensure pedestrians cross the road at the appropriate locations.

2.16 A developer contribution of £36,000 is available for the works and an additional £60,000 for the scheme has been made available by Eastleigh Borough Council.

2.17 A project appraisal was approved in December 2004 by the former Executive Member for Environment, and works commenced on-site on 31 January 2005. The scheme was completed in April 2005.

3. Capital Schemes 2005/06

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

3.1 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.

3.2 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 and pedestrians 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.

3.3 Detailed design for both the link road and the proposed traffic signal controlled junction on the A27 has been substantially completed. To ensure the route is only used by buses, Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) have been progressed by Southampton City Council to achieve restricted access for buses only. The orders have been advertised and no objections received. Parking for the travellers' site also needs to be provided to keep the route clear of parked vehicles, and is subject to planning permission, which is being progressed by Southampton City Council.

3.4 Subject to the conclusion of these matters, a project appraisal for the scheme will be submitted to the Executive Member for Environment: South Hampshire and Resource Management and this is currently expected in January 2006, with works on-site expected to commence in March 2006.

A335 Wide Lane Cycle Crossing (Chickenhall Lane Link Road) - £193,000 EF

3.5 This proposal aims to improve facilities for cyclists accessing the Airport Parkway Station from Mitchell Way and Wide Lane.

3.6 Feasibility study work has been completed and scheme options are currently being considered before progressing to detailed design.

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

3.7 This proposal provides a signal controlled pedestrian crossing on Chestnut Avenue, to the north-west of the Falkland Road/Tollgate roundabout. The scheme improves conditions for pedestrians accessing the developments on the south side of Chestnut Avenue. The controlled crossing has been implemented initially as a Puffin crossing but is expected to be modified to a Toucan crossing when the future cycle route is implemented.

3.8 A project appraisal for the controlled crossing was approved by the former Executive Member for Environment in December 2004, and works commenced on-site in May 2005. The works were completed in July 2005.

Chestnut Avenue Cycleway, Eastleigh - £225,000 EF

3.9 This scheme aims to provide an off-road cycle facility along Chestnut Avenue between the Tollgate Roundabout and Stoneham Lane, where it will connect with existing cycle facilities.

3.10 A preliminary design of the cycleway proposals has been completed, however given a disparity between the estimated scheme costs and the available budget, the proposals have been reduced to provide a first stage of the scheme between Falkland Road and Nightingale Avenue. The scheme incorporates shared use cycle and pedestrian links from Falkland Road to the new Puffin crossing on Chestnut Avenue together with a further uncontrolled crossing on the eastern side of the Tollgate roundabout. These connections aim to improve accessibility for cyclists towards the new business developments on the south side of Chestnut Avenue. The route will be constructed on the north side of Chestnut Avenue from Tollgate roundabout to Nightingale Avenue as a two way off-road shared use facility, where it is proposed to cross and link into Nightingale Avenue.

3.11 The scheme includes the provision of two bus shelters at the existing bus stops located on the east side of the Tollgate roundabout. A project appraisal is expected to be submitted early in the new year for a commencement of work before the end of the current financial year.

3.12 Further feasibility work to extend the cycle route towards the existing cycle network at Stoneham Lane and Valley Park at Bournemouth Road is being undertaken to develop future phases of this route.

Eastleigh Quality Bus Partnership (Derby Road/Passfield Avenue) - £70,000 EF

3.13 This scheme was identified through the Eastleigh Quality Bus Partnership as requiring improvement to maintain bus punctuality on service Bluestar 2. The scheme aims to convert the existing priority controlled junction to a mini-roundabout.

3.14 A preliminary design had been progressed which identified safety issues concerning the maintenance of a safe and satisfactory access to properties adjacent to the existing junction. A modified design has now resolved this issue and removed the need for extensive accommodation works at the private properties. The residents affected by the proposals have been consulted and have raised no objections.

3.15 The design has been progressed further, however concerns have been raised about the potential for considerable queue formation at the proposed mini-roundabout. This would not enable the scheme objectives to be achieved and accordingly officers are currently reviewing this proposal.

Factory Road Traffic Management, Eastleigh - £375,000 LTP, £200,000 EF

3.16 This scheme aims to provide an environmental improvement to Factory Road to improve the attractiveness of the route for pedestrians and cyclists between the developments at the former Pirelli site and the town centre. The scheme includes the provision of traffic calming in the form of speed tables, footway widening and formalised parking bays.

3.17 A public exhibition of the preliminary proposals was undertaken in June 2004, where the proposals were positively received. Unfortunately objections were received from the public utility companies, which objected to the proposal to provide tree planting along the road. The scheme has accordingly been reviewed and this element withdrawn from the proposals.

3.18 The detailed design of the scheme has been completed, including amended TROs to accommodate the revised parking layouts. A project appraisal for the scheme was approved by the Executive Member for Environment: South Hampshire and Resource Management in May 2005. The works are being procured and supervised by Eastleigh Borough Council, and construction work is expected to start in November 2005 and be completed in March 2006.

Hamble Bus Route 16 - Capital Grant - £100,000 EF

3.19 This is a grant towards the enhancement of bus services on this route, from every 30 minutes to every 20 minutes between the hours of 0830 and 1730, Monday to Friday. The proposal aims to improve the bus service and accessibility standards through the provision of new dedicated low-floor buses, drivers and re-branding of the route. The proposal originates from the Eastleigh Quality Bus Partnership and includes a grant of £50,000 towards the proposal from Eastleigh Borough Council.

3.20 The new services, timetable, and buses commenced operation on 30 September 2005 following a launch ceremony conducted by the Executive Member for Environment: South Hampshire and Resource Management, together with the Mayor of Eastleigh.

Hamble Lane/Ensign Way Pedestrian Refuges - £25,000 EF

3.21 This scheme originates from the Barratt's development at Ensign Way, Hamble-le-Rice, where developer contributions were taken for the construction of two new pedestrian refuges, together with modifications to the existing refuge in Ensign Way.

3.22 The two new refuges are to be constructed on Hamble Lane, one on each side of the Ensign Way junction, together with modifications to the one on Ensign Way itself. The refuges are expected to improve pedestrian access in this area.

3.23 Works commenced at the end of August and were substantially completed in September 2005.

Hound Road Cycleway, Netley - £125,000 EF

3.24 The Hound Road cycleway is identified in the Hamble School Travel Plan and the Hamble Area Transport Strategy. 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, the design of a pedestrian and cycle refuge on Hound Road, together with the associated road widening, has taken the scheme over budget. Officers are currently investigating alternative design solutions to help reduce costs.

Kipling Road Traffic Management - £30,000 EF

3.25 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. Following earlier consultation work undertaken by Eastleigh Borough Council, a scheme is being developed to introduce traffic calming measures on the road, which consist of a combination of speed tables and speed cushions. The proposal includes similar measures in Brookwood Avenue, between Kipling Road and Leigh Road.

3.26 A preliminary design for speed cushions has been prepared by design consultants Atkins, and stakeholder consultation is being undertaken in advance of a postal consultation with residents about the scheme details. It is proposed that the public consultation will take place during October 2005 and, subject to satisfactory conclusion of the consultation work, the scheme design will be developed to a detailed design stage for delivery in early 2006.

Leigh Road Corridor, Eastleigh - £200,000 LTP, £300,000 EF

3.27 This proposal aims to improve conditions for pedestrians and enhance the street environment on the section of Leigh Road between Cranbury Road and High Street in Eastleigh for the benefit of users and residents.

3.28 The scheme includes widened footways, raised carriageway levels, resurfacing with enhanced materials, linking the church area to the recreation ground, revised parking and delivery arrangements for local shops and The Point, and the provision of new street furniture and landscape planting.

3.29 A public exhibition was undertaken in July 2004, where there was positive support for the preliminary proposals. The detailed design is currently being developed with a view to achieving project appraisal approval for a commencement of works after the completion of the Factory Road scheme in early 2006.

3.30 The environmental improvement scheme is being developed by Eastleigh Borough Council using developer contributions, and a contribution of £200,000 is being made to the scheme by the County Council.

3.31 The scheme also includes a proposal to add a pedestrian phase to the existing traffic signals at the Romsey Road/Leigh Road junction to improve pedestrian access between Leigh Road and the town centre. This is being developed separately by the County Council.

3.32 The scheme has been developed to the detailed design stage and a project appraisal for both the contribution and the improvements to the traffic signals is expected to be submitted to the Executive Member for Environment: South Hampshire and Resource Management in December 2005. Subject to approval it is expected that work on the traffic signals will commence in January 2006, and be completed in March. The environmental improvements are planned to commence after the completion of the Factory Road scheme in March 2006.

Southampton to Winchester Quality Bus Partnership - £350,000 LTP

3.33 This proposal aims to provide roadside bus infrastructure improvements at bus stops on the Bluestar 1 route, which operates between Southampton and Winchester, via Chandlers Ford.

3.34 The proposals include the provision of new bus stop infrastructure at various stops along the whole route, including raised kerbs to assist boarding, bus shelters where appropriate, bus stop flag signage and new information displays. A project appraisal was approved by the Executive Member for Environment: South Hampshire and Resource Management in July 2005, and work is expected to commence early in January 2006.

4. Impact Assessments

4.1 This report provides a position statement only, therefore an impact assessment, in terms of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act, has not been undertaken.

Recommendation

That this report be noted.

501/JR

APPENDIX

Transport Capital Programme 2005/06