Contact: Barry Armstrong, ext 5175 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

(i) That the attached Project Appraisal to construct an off-road shared cycleway/footway along the western side of the A27 Chilworth Road, from the Chilworth Science Park to the existing M3/A33 interchange cycleway, and associated improvements to Manor Road/A27 Chilworth Road junction, at an estimated cost of £150,000, be approved.

(ii) That the existing and proposed footways that form this scheme be formally converted to shared use for pedestrians and cyclists under Sections 65 and 66 of the Highways Act 1980.

2. Reason

2.1 This decision supports Aim 2 and 4 (Stewardship of the Environment and Building Strong and Safe Communities) of the Corporate Strategy by:

(i) providing an off-road shared use cycleway/footway which will provide a link from the Chilworth Science Park to the existing M3/A33 Chilworth Interchange cycleway; and

(ii) improving road safety for all users, including pedestrians and cyclists.

2.2 Hampshire County Council's second Local Transport Plan cycling target is to halt the decline in cycling by 2010 from the 2005/06 base.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 The route forms a part of the strategic link between Chilworth and Southampton as identified in the Test Valley Borough Council Cycle Strategy. It also forms a link between existing off-road routes which lie to the south. Cyclists are currently on-road along the A27 Chilworth Road which forms the most direct route. Other routes for this link have been considered, including the upgrading of Roman Road as an alternative link to Southampton. This option has been rejected for safety reasons as it is a private road with a poor uneven surface and lighting is extremely limited.

3.2 After careful consideration it was felt that this shared use link on the south-western side of the A27 connecting the Chilworth Science Park to Southampton presents the strongest case. The scheme will improve road safety by providing an attractive off-road alternative and improving the junction alignment at the Clump Inn. The route will also link into the Southampton cycle network. Other uses for this funding have been examined including a cycle link from Chilworth Science Park to North Baddesley. However it was concluded that whilst there is merit for both of these schemes, the case for the link to Southampton remains the stronger and it is this scheme that is considered to be the best value project for the contributions received from the developments on the Chilworth Science Park. To progress the route to North Baddesley would require additional funding which is not currently available.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or Other Executive Member Consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor J K Glen

599Decn/BA