Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - ENVIRONMENT

ITEM 4

PROJECT APPRAISAL

(Externally Funded)

PROJECT:

MONXTON ROAD, ANDOVER - JOHN HANSON SCHOOL - CYCLE TRACK/FOOTPATH

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

MARCH 2007

COMPLETION DATE:

JUNE 2007

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

1.

Scheme

1.1

1.2

1.3

1.4

This scheme will provide an improved route for pedestrians and cyclists and link to the existing cycle network.

As part of the Burghclere Estate housing development in Andover the highway between Floral Way and the railway line was upgraded to a 3 metre wide shared access, complete with lighting, to serve the settlement areas to the south of the railway and John Hanson School. The development also provided a new ramped footbridge over the railway.

The core of this scheme is to upgrade the remaining section of highway from north of the railway line to Shaw Close, a distance of about 200 metres, to provide an off-road shared use facility, complete with lighting. It will then continue as a signed on-road route along Larch Drive to Monxton Road directing users towards Weyhill and the Portway Industrial Estate.

This link will serve the settlement areas to the north of the railway line and will match the existing section on the other side of the railway overbridge.

1.5

1.6

1.7

Introduction

Before John Hanson School moved to its current site in Floral Way, the Education Department commissioned consultants, Atkins, to produce a School Travel Plan. This was integrated with a much larger cycle study which identified this route as a priority.

Subsequently, following publication of the Test Valley Cycle Network document, the Andover Transportation Strategy Panel identified six routes in Andover for further development.

Following the Atkins study, this route was identified as priority 2. Priority 1 Station to Town Centre and priority 3 Eastern Avenue (London Street-Newbury Street) have been completed.

1.8

1.9

1.10

Details

Pedestrian and cycle flows from the north of the railway line to John Hanson School, Balksbury Infant/Junior Schools and St John the Baptist School are inhibited due to the availability of poor access routes. The highway section from Shaw Close to the railway overbridge is dark, narrow and overgrown making it unappealing to pedestrians and cyclists. In January 2006 a total of 1,811 pupils attended the three schools. A hands-up survey taken at John Hanson School in September 2006 showed that out of a sample of 616 pupils, 291 walked, 33 cycled, 88 travelled by bus, 202 travelled by car and two travelled by train. On completion of this final link, it is hoped to increase the number of pupils cycling and walking.

A mid week survey carried out in December 2006 showed that on the proposed link 132 pedestrians and 25 cyclists were recorded between 0700-0900 hours and 1500-1700 hours. This proposed scheme will therefore provide an important extension to the existing cycleway.

A location plan is attached and a detailed drawing will be displayed at the meeting along with photographs which detail the existing situation.

1.11

1.12

1.13

1.14

Targets and Outcomes

The principal objective of this proposal is to improve accessibility between the three schools and the settlement areas to the north of the railway, as well as the employment and settlement areas in Weyhill.

The targets for this scheme are to improve access and increase pedestrian and cycle flows following the recommendations in the School Travel Plan.

Improving the existing section of this route with a new 3 metre wide surface with street lighting will promote a safer environment and a feeling of well-being.

A cycle counter will be installed on completion of the scheme.

1.15

Standards

The proposals have been designed to meet current National and County Council standards for highway improvement schemes, and conform to the recommendations of the safety audit.

1.16

1.17

Statutory Procedures and Consultation

The existing highway will be improved under Section 62 of the Highways Act 1980.

Test Valley Borough Council, residents with property in The Crescent, the Gallagher's Copse Management Company Limited and the Cycling Touring Club representative have been consulted on the proposed scheme and no objections have been received.

1.18

Policy Considerations

The scheme supports the County Council's road safety and casualty reduction policies and improves accessibility.

1.19

Environmental Impacts

The proposed cycle track will create an important link between schools and employment areas to the north and south of the railway line. This will be particularly beneficial to schoolchildren, and by creating a smooth surface it will also benefit those who are mobility impaired, people with buggies and children, and the elderly.

1.20

Land Requirement

Apart from an area of land to the rear of 143 The Crescent, which will be dedicated as highway to make provision for this scheme, all works will be confined to existing public highway.

1.21

1.22

Alternative Arrangements

Due to the railway line that divides the schools and the settlement areas to the west, the route identified is the only route available to join the existing cycle track to the school.

To do nothing would deprive the local community of a new facility providing safe access to John Hanson School.

1.23

Local Member's View

The local Member, Councillor Mrs West, supports this proposal.

1.24

Impact Assessments

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.

1.25

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

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

1.26

Sustainability

The scheme seeks to improve the accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable users, and makes a contribution to road safety by providing a healthy alternative to the use of motor vehicles and improving air quality.

2.

Financial Arrangements

2.1

Expenditure

£'000

Funds Available

£'000

Design Fee

30

Developer Funding

160

Supervision

5

Project Works

125

Land

nil

____

____

Total

160

Total

160

____

____

2.2

Revenue Implications

£'000

% Variation to Committee's budget

Net increase in

current expenditure

1.6

0.001

Capital Charge

15.0

0.012

____

____

Total Expenditure

16.6

0.013

____

____

2.3

Maintenance Implications

The revenue implications of this proposal will be taken into account in the setting of the annual base budget.

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

Monxton Road, Andover - John Hanson School - Cycle Track

Environment Department

Room 415