Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - ENVIRONMENT

ITEM 7

PROJECT APPRAISAL

(Externally Funded)

PROJECT:

DUNLEY'S HILL, NORTH WARNBOROUGH - TOUCAN CROSSING AND NEW ROUNDABOUT

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

APRIL 2007

COMPLETION DATE:

JUNE 2007

PLANNED YEAR OF START IN ACCORDANCE WITH CAPITAL PROGRAMME: 2007/08

1.

Scheme

1.1

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.5

Introduction

The scheme will improve traffic management and contribute towards road safety for cyclists and pedestrians.

The project has been developed following representations received from the local community several years ago raising concerns over the safety of pedestrians and cyclists who need to cross the road at Dunley's Hill.

In order to accommodate the needs of pedestrians and cyclists, especially children attending the Robert May's School, a Toucan crossing has been designed. Toucan crossings are signalised crossings which allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross.

Short sections of cycle route are also being provided to get the cyclists between the crossing and the minor side roads. The proposals include changes to the layout of the existing roundabout, a short distance from the site of the proposed crossing, to reduce the speed of traffic, and to reduce the capacity at the junction which became unnecessary when the B3349 ceased to be an 'A' road.

The scheme has been designed for several years but has not been implemented due to lack of funding. This funding has now been achieved from contributions received following recent development in the area.

1.6

1.7

1.8

1.9

1.10

1.11

Details

The Toucan crossing will provide a safe crossing point for pedestrians and cyclists across Dunley's Hill south of the roundabout. At the roundabout the islands on the approaches will be narrowed by coloured surfacing to encourage slower vehicle speeds.

This is a longstanding commitment to the local community where developer contributions have been collected to provide the facility. At the time that the commitment was made Toucan crossings were a recent innovation and Government guidance was that where a cycle route crossed a busy road a Toucan crossing should be provided to encourage cyclists to use the cycle route in safety.

It is anticipated that the improved facility will result in an increase in pedestrian and cycle movements for existing school journeys, as well as an increase in pedestrian and cycle flows from the new housing development.

It is not possible to physically enlarge the islands with extended kerbing as this is a wide load route and therefore adequate width has to be maintained to accommodate these vehicles. Coloured surfacing is being provided to help make drivers more aware of the crossing.

In order to maintain the village environment, landscaping works will be undertaken, including tree and shrub planting, which will extend the existing grass verges near the crossing point and roundabout.

A location plan is attached and a detailed drawing (17/B3349/3/010) will be displayed at the meeting.

1.12

1.13

1.14

1.15

Targets and Outcomes

The crossing will help to encourage cycling and walking as an alternative to the car and provide a safer crossing environment. It will also enhance the measures already implemented as part of the Safer Routes to School Travel Plan that has been adopted by the Robert May's school which currently has 1,168 pupils.

The school travel plan identified that crossing Dunley's Hill needed to be addressed to encourage walking and cycling across this road. In the recent `hands-up' survey 142 pupils either walked or cycled to school with 90 being driven. The remainder of the 1,168 pupils travelled by bus. A target for this scheme is to increase cycling and walking to school by at least 20 pupils.

The success of the crossing will be measured by before and after traffic counts and a `hands-up' survey at the Robert May's School which will identify the increase in its use by schoolchildren as well as pedestrians and cyclists in general.

Speed checks on the approaches to the roundabout will also be carried out to measure the changes in vehicle speeds. A target of the median vehicle speed being reduced to be within the range appropriate for the existing 30 miles per hour speed limit is being sought.

1.16

Standards

These proposals have been designed in accordance with the current national and County Council Design Standards. The scheme has been safety audited.

1.17

1.18

Statutory Procedures and Consultation

The proposed Toucan crossing was subject to the 28 day formal advertising notice which was placed on site at the location of the crossing. A letter-drop to residents living adjacent to the proposed crossing was also undertaken informing them of the proposal and seeking their views. No objections were received.

The Parish Council was consulted separately on the proposals and supports their implementation.

1.19

Policy Considerations

The scheme supports the policies of the North Hampshire Transport Strategy and the Local Transport Plan by providing a safe environment for those crossing the road and also reducing dependency on car travel, especially local trips.

1.20

Environmental Impacts

There will be no adverse impact to the environment if this scheme is implemented. The proposed landscaping will enhance the local amenity.

1.21

Land Requirement

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

1.22

Alternative Arrangements

The option to do nothing was not acceptable as the continuing safety of pedestrians was paramount. There are no other suitable alternatives that can be implemented within the budget available for this project.

1.23

Local Member's View

The local Member, Councillor Glen, supports the scheme.

1.24

Impact Assessments

The proposed scheme has been designed to accommodate all types of users, including the visually and mobility impaired.

1.25

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

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

1.26

Sustainability

The scheme proposals will assist cycling and walking as a sustainable form of transport and as an alternative to the car.

2.

Financial Arrangements

2.1

Expenditure

£'000

Funds Available

£'000

Design Fee

53

Developer Funding

250

Supervision

16

Project Works

181

Land

nil

____

____

Total

250

Total

250

____

____

2.2

Revenue Implications

£'000

% Variation to Committee's budget

Net increase in

current expenditure

3.9

0.004

Capital Charge

23.3

0.021

____

____

Total Expenditure

27.2

0.025

____

____

2.3

2.4

2.5

Maintenance Implications

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

The traffic signals equipment is anticipated to operate satisfactorily for between 10 and 15 years. After this time it will need replacing. The anti-skid surfacing may need to be renewed at more regular intervals to ensure adequate performance.

If the maintenance costs of new intelligent transport system installations and equipment are not taken into account at the setting of the annual base budget and the budget does not match the rate of growth of equipment, then there will be an increasing pressure to reduce maintenance standards and on the ability to replace ageing and obsolescent equipment.

LINK(S) TO CORPORATE STRATEGY

Yes

No

Hampshire safer and more secure for all

√

Maximising well-being

Enhancing our quality of place

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

Dunleys Hill, North Warnborough - Toucan Crossing

Environment Department

Engineering Consultancy