Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - ENVIRONMENT

ITEM 11

PROJECT APPRAISAL

(Externally Funded)

PROJECT:

CHAPEL HILL, BASINGSTOKE - PEDESTRIAN CROSSING

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

SEPTEMBER 2006

COMPLETION DATE:

NOVEMBER 2006

PLANNED YEAR OF START IN ACCORDANCE WITH CAPITAL PROGRAMME: 2006/07

1.

Scheme

Introduction

1.1

1.2

1.3

1.4

Chapel Hill in Basingstoke near the town centre currently has traffic flows of 1,147 and 1,458 vehicles per hour (two-way) in the morning and evening peak hour periods respectively. The pedestrian flows are 85 and 32 over the same periods.

This road provides an important link into the town centre from the residential/business development to the north as well as to the railway/bus interchange at Alençon Link for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Pedestrians currently have to use an existing subway nearby which is not user friendly in terms of personal safety and meeting the needs of disabled persons.

A new at-grade crossing will overcome the constraints, eg steps, of the existing subway and provide a more direct access for pedestrians to the railway station/bus interchange/town centre. This usage will increase with the recently completed new housing development at Winterthur Way.

Developer contributions will be used to address the need for safer and more convenient crossing points to the town centre/bus interchange/railway station.

Details

1.5

1.6

The scheme comprises a new pedestrian (Puffin) crossing on Chapel Hill adjacent to the junction with Winterthur Way. Dropped kerbs with tactile paving will be installed at the crossing with anti-skid surface treatment material being laid on the approaches to the crossing.

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

Standards

1.7

This scheme has been designed in accordance with highway standards and the County Council's standard details for highway construction.

Targets and Outcomes

1.8

1.9

1.10

It is County Council policy to introduce crossings where the PV² result exceeds 1.0, where funding is available and a crossing can be safely installed. Where the PV² is between 0.5 and 1.0 the County Council may, in certain circumstances, proceed with the installation of a crossing.

In this case the current value is between 0.5 and 1.0 despite the existence of a subway. It is thought that the 1.0 PV² value will be exceeded when a safe at-grade crossing is provided and with further development being proposed for the area.

Pedestrian flows will be monitored following implementation of the scheme.

Statutory Procedures and Consultation

1.11

1.12

Formal 28 day notices were advertised on site in June 2006 detailing the proposed crossing and inviting comments, etc from local businesses and residents. No responses were received.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council officers have been consulted and support the proposal.

Policy Considerations

1.13

Improved facilities on Chapel Hill will enhance safety and security for pedestrians wishing to have access to the town centre and the railway/bus interchange.

Environmental Impacts

1.14

This scheme will enhance sustainable alternatives to motorised vehicles for those people accessing the town centre and the railway/bus interchange.

Land Requirement

1.15

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

Alternative Arrangements

1.16

Other options considered included revised junction layouts to improve the operational capacity but these were rejected as they would not enhance facilities for pedestrians.

Local Member's View

1.17

The local Member, Councillor Jo Kelly, supports the proposal. Adjoining local Members, Councillors Mrs Frankum, Gurden, Heath and Reid, also support the scheme.

Impact Assessments

1.18

1.19

The Puffin crossing will have tactile surfacing installed at the crossing point to assist people with visual impairment.

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 and gender but to improve access for all.

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

1.20

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

Sustainability

1.21

The proposal will improve the environment for walking with improved links to the town centre and the railway/bus interchange. Sustainable construction methods will be used for the scheme.

2.

Financial Arrangements

2.1

Expenditure

£'000

Funds Available

£'000

Design Fee

30

Developer Funding

85

Supervision

Project Works

55

Land

nil

____

____

Total

85

Total

85

____

____

2.2

Revenue Implications

£'000

% Variation to Committee's budget

Net increase in

current expenditure

1.9

0.002

Capital Charge

10.0

0.008

____

____

Total Expenditure

11.9

0.010

____

____

2.3

Maintenance Implications

These will include the ongoing maintenance of the signal equipment associated with the controlled crossing, together with the anti-skid surfacing and white lining. This will be taken into account at the setting of the annual budget.

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

Environment Department

Room 415