Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - ENVIRONMENT: NORTH HAMPSHIRE AND SPATIAL STRATEGY

ITEM 3

PROJECT APPRAISAL

PROJECT:

CHILWORTH TO SOUTHAMPTON CYCLES

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

FEBRUARY 2006

COMPLETION DATE:

APRIL 2006

PLANNED YEAR OF START IN ACCORDANCE WITH CAPITAL PROGRAMME: 2005/06

1.

FINANCE (Client Department, Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services [Estates Practice] and County Treasurer)

Current

Capital

Estimate

Programme

(at 2005

(at 2005

prices)

prices)

Capital Expenditure

£'000

£'000

Land to be purchased

Nil

Nil

Construction

120

120

Fees

30

30

150

150

Less developers/

120

120

other contributions

30

30

Financial provision for total scheme

Total Cost

1.

From Committees own resources

(a) Capital programme (as above)

30

(b) Other

30

2.

From other resources

(a) Developer contribution

120

(b)

(c)

TOTAL

150

Value of land for this project in HCC ownership £

Variations from capital programme

Revenue implications

£'000

% variation

to Committee's

budget

Net current expenditure

1.9

0.002

Capital charges

15.0

0.012

TOTAL net expenditure

16.9

0.014

2.

STATEMENT OF NEED/JUSTIFICATION FOR PROJECT

(Client Department)

2.1

The scheme is intended to provide a safe off-road shared use cycleway by widening the existing footway on the south-west side of the A27 Chilworth Road from the Chilworth Science Park to the existing M3/A33 interchange cycleway to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists. This new route will be signed and will make provision for safety improvements to the Manor Road/A27 Chilworth Road junction and the Clump Inn, with a new kerb line along the A27 Chilworth Road commencing to the west of Manor Road. The intention is that this will reduce the speed of traffic entering Manor Road from Chilworth Road and improve the sight line for all road users.

Targets and Outcomes

2.2

2.3

2.4

2.5

2.6

The current speed limit on the A27 Chilworth Road is set at 40 miles an hour (mph) on the section between the Chilworth Science Park and the M3/A33 interchange. The 85%ile traffic speed is 47 mph.

The Local Transport Plan (LTP) target indicated that by 2010 there would be a 40% reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured when compared to the average 1994-98 level. This target is considered to be on track to be met. Although figures tend to fluctuate, there has been an overall downward trend in the number of deaths and serious injuries and it is anticipated that the road safety strategies and programmes will contribute to achieving this target by that time.

The proposed new cycle link will safely direct cyclists away from heavy vehicular traffic. Accident data along the proposed route indicate that in the last three years 12 accidents have been recorded of which nine were slight and three serious. Of these accidents 42% involved cyclists, all of which took place in the vicinity to the entrance to the Chilworth Science Park or the junction with Manor Road and the A27 Chilworth Road.

At this junction the scheme proposes to provide a new kerb line along the Chilworth Road commencing to the west of Manor Road tightening the existing radius on the curve, this will tie back into the existing kerb line at Heathfield. This will help reduce the speed of traffic entering Manor Road from the A27 Chilworth Road and greatly improve the sight line for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

The proposed link will be particularly attractive to the less experienced cyclist, as it provides a safer route between the Science Park and the existing links to Southampton.

3.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL

National/County Network and Policies

3.1

The proposal is consistent with the aims and objectives of both the Local Transport Plan and Test Valley Borough Council's Cycle Strategy Plan. It aims to improve safety of pedestrians and cyclists, improve highway safety and provide an alternative choice of sustainable travel.

Details of Scheme and Design Standards

3.2

3.3

3.4

The proposals include the realignment of the junction of Manor Road and the A27 Chilworth Road and improvements to the pedestrian refuge.

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

The scheme design complies with Department for Transport and County Council standards and has been safety audited at the appropriate stages in the design process.

Environmental Impact

3.5

There are no significant environmental impacts from this proposal.

Land Requirements

3.6

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

Statutory Procedures

3.7

All statutory requirements have been satisfied in the development of this proposal.

Public Consultation

3.8

3.9

A public consultation questionnaire has been delivered to each property bordering the proposed route on both sides of the carriageway. Of those residents responding, 75% are in favour of the proposed route.

Chilworth Parish Council has expressed a wish to have a link from Chilworth to North Baddesley in preference to this scheme.

Local Member's View

3.10

The local Member, Councillor Perry, supports the view of Chilworth Parish Council.

Impact Assessments

3.11

The pedestrian and cycle improvements will benefit vulnerable user groups. The introduction of a re-designed junction and crossing point incorporating tactile paving will assist the visually impaired and other vulnerable user groups such as the mobility impaired and people with pushchairs and small children. Assessment of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act has been considered in the development of this scheme, which is not expected to compromise equalities in terms of race, creed or gender but to further improve access for all.

Maintenance Implications

3.12

This will be taken into account in the setting of the annual base budget.

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

3.13

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

Sustainability

3.14

The proposed signed cycle link will support cycling which is a sustainable form of transport. By improving facilities and reducing the risk of accidents, walking and cycling will be encouraged.

4.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT - ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

(Client Department)

4.1

4.2

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.

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..

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

Scheme file - no. CJ003919/BA

Environment Department

Room 415