Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - ENVIRONMENT

ITEM 6

PROJECT APPRAISAL

(Externally Funded)

PROJECT:

WHITELEY WAY - TOUCAN CROSSING

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

MARCH 2007

COMPLETION DATE:

JUNE 2007

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

1.

Summary

1.1

The provision of a Toucan crossing and new footway/cycle route links will assist pedestrians and cyclists crossing Whiteley Way and improve accessibility within Whiteley.

2.

Recommendations

(i) That this Project Appraisal for the installation of a controlled Toucan crossing and associated footway and off-road cycle links on Whiteley Way, to be externally funded at an estimated cost of £130,000, be approved.

(ii) That, under the powers contained in Sections 65 and 66 of the Highways Act 1980, the sections of footway to be utilised as shared use on the east and west side, south of Whiteley Way roundabout be formally converted to shared use for pedestrians and cyclists.

3.

Introduction

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.4

3.5

The County Council commissioned a feasibility study during 2005 for improved crossing and footway/cycle track facilities on Whiteley Way. This followed a request from Whiteley Parish Council for the provision of a controlled crossing when the public, local residents and business community united to convey their concerns about crossing Whiteley Way which has a 12 hour traffic flow of over 12,000 vehicles.

The public were also concerned about the lack of any pedestrian footways en route to Whiteley Village, the bus stop nearby and the business park. As new businesses locate to the business park traffic volumes are expected to increase which would add to the difficulties for pedestrians and cyclists crossing.

There is a strong pedestrian desire line from the business park east of Whiteley Way to the Whiteley Shopping Village, and an off-road cycle track on either side of Whiteley Way where cyclists travel in an east and west direction. Cyclists and pedestrians cross Whiteley Way at an uncontrolled crossing point at the traffic island, which is located on the south side of the Marjoram Way/Whiteley Way roundabout, where there are high traffic flows and poor visibility.

Traffic and pedestrian surveys were undertaken on Whiteley Way, south of Marjoram Way. A 12-hour traffic survey undertaken in October 2004 identified over 12,000 vehicles travelling along the route and 256 pedestrians and 16 cyclists crossing at the proposed location for the crossing The PV² values were calculated at 1.12 which exceeds the Department for Transport and County Council thresholds and provides numerical justification for the crossing at this location. The three year accident records from October 2003 to September 2006 identified that there were two slight injuries which occurred at the Whiteley Way/ Marjoram Way roundabout. The speed limit along the route is 40 miles per hour (mph).

Provision of the controlled crossing and footway/cycle links will improve accessibility particularly to the Whiteley Village, and encourage walking and cycling in the area. The footpath will also link to a bus stop opposite the business park and Round Coppice, which is an ancient woodland, popular with the public, dog walkers and ramblers.

3.6

3.7

Details

This scheme comprises:

(i) installing a Toucan crossing, 4 metres wide and located approximately 40 metres south of Whiteley Way/Marjoram Way roundabout. The carriageway surface on each approach to the crossing point will be treated with skid resistant surfacing. At the crossing dropped kerbing and tactile paving will be installed on the footway;

(ii) upgrading the existing footway on the east side of Whiteley Way to a 3 metres wide shared use footway/cycle track to link with the new crossing and the existing cycle route nearby;

(iii) providing a new shared use footway/cycle track up to 3.3 metres in width, inclusive of a 0.5 metre safety margin, on the west side of Whiteley Way adjacent to the carriageway towards the roundabout and the crossing point on Majoram Way;

(iv) providing a new 2 metres wide footway link and a pedestrian guard rail on the western side of Whiteley Way, extending to a new uncontrolled pedestrian crossing on Majoram Way which will incorporate widening of the existing traffic island, realigning the kerb, and installing associated tactile paving and dropped kerbs;

(v) continuing the new footway towards Whiteley Shopping Village where an uncontrolled crossing point, incorporating a raised table and associated tactile paving, will be installed. A footway will be constructed on the north-west side of Whiteley Way which will link directly into Whiteley Shopping Village. The footway will be constructed on private land with the permission of the land owner;

(vi) moving the wooden fenced horse holding area on the west side of Whiteley Way behind the footway/cycle track for safety and resurfacing the waiting area in suitable material. The existing equestrian crossing located to the south of the Whiteley Way/Marjoram Way roundabout will be unaffected;

(vii) removing sections of the existing footway and cycle crossing, which will be redundant as a result of the proposals; this area to be landscaped and fenced;

(viii) constructing a 1.8 metres wide footpath south of the Toucan crossing on the western side of Whiteley Way, linking it to the existing bus stop. The footpath will terminate opposite Parkway at Round Coppice where there is an existing path leading into the wooded area used by walkers; and

(ix) signing, relocating lamp columns and associated landscaping will be incorporated within the works.

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

3.8

3.9

3.10

Targets and Outcomes

The scheme aims to support the Local Transport Plan (LTP) objectives by improving accessibility and supporting wider quality of life objectives. The targets are to provide a formal crossing point and improve accessibility between Whiteley Village, the residential area and the business park in Whiteley by providing:

(i) a Toucan crossing to provide a safer place for pedestrians and cyclists to cross Whiteley Way. Surveys undertaken identified a PV² value of 1.12. A two-way traffic count undertaken in October 2004 identified 12,000 vehicles travelling along the route. A second survey undertaken in March 2006 identified a 10% increase in traffic flows;

(ii) footpath and cycle links to local businesses, Whiteley Shopping Village and amenities. A pedestrian/cycle survey undertaken in October 2004 recorded 256 pedestrians, 8 children and 16 cyclists crossing Whiteley Way in the vicinity of the proposed crossing; and

(iii) support to the local businesses by improving facilities to increase public accessibility.

The expected outcomes are:

(i) safer crossing facilities, improved pedestrian and cycle facilities to promote walking, cycling and improve accessibility; and

(ii) improvements to the local environment and safety of the public, particularly for vulnerable users.

After-monitoring which will incorporate pedestrian, cycle and traffic surveys will be undertaken at an appropriate time following completion of the scheme.

3.11

Standards

The crossing and footway/cycle track design complies with the Department for Transport and Hampshire County Council design standards and has been safety audited at the appropriate stages in the design process.

3.12

3.13

3.14

3.15

3.16

Statutory Procedures and Consultation

Whiteley Parish Council has been consulted and welcomes the proposed scheme. The Parish Council has campaigned for a pedestrian crossing for a number of years, and the need for an additional crossing was also highlighted in its Parish Plan 2004 following a wider consultation carried out in April 2003.

Winchester City Council officers support the proposals. Winchester City Member, Councillor Kate Chapman, is also supportive.

The management of Whiteley Village retail outlet supports the scheme and has been pro-active and contributed to the development of this project.

All necessary statutory procedures have been satisfied in the development of the Toucan crossing. Public notices, providing details of the proposals, were posted on-site on 10 October 2006. No objections have been received.

Part of the existing and new footways for this scheme will be converted to shared pedestrian and cycle use under Sections 65 and 66 of the Highways Act.

3.17

Policy Considerations

The proposal is consistent with the aims set out in the LTP. The crossing will be of benefit to pedestrians and cyclists, especially for those more vulnerable, such as the very young and elderly.

3.18

3.19

Environmental Impacts

No negative environmental impacts are expected, the new footway will enhance the area and stop the erosion of the grass verges.

The provision of the crossing, which will be located 40 metres south of the roundabout, is calculated to create, on average, a seven second delay to vehicles using Whiteley Way during the busiest period for vehicles and pedestrians between 1200 and 1400 hours. The queues at the crossing will be approximately four vehicles in each direction and will not impact on traffic using the roundabout, in particular traffic using the southbound exit out of Whiteley Way.

3.20

Land Requirement

No land acquisition required. The majority of the work will be carried out within the existing highway. A speed table and section of the footway will be constructed on land owned by Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited (the owner of Whiteley Village). Permission has been granted, in principle, by the land owner to carry out the work; a licence or permit will be obtained prior to work commencing.

3.21

Alternative Arrangements

To do nothing was considered and rejected as this would not improve the situation for pedestrians and cyclists who have reported difficulties crossing Whiteley Way. No other location was suitable.

3.22

Local Member's View

The local Member, Councillor Allgood, supports the proposals. The adjacent Member, Councillor Woodward who is also Leader of Fareham Borough Council, is also supportive.

3.23

3.24

Impact Assessments

The proposed new crossings incorporate tactile paving and dropped kerbs which will guide the visually impaired pedestrians to the crossing points. In addition, on the Toucan crossing an audible tone will operate with the green man to assist visually impaired pedestrians. Tactile cones will be located on the underside of the demand boxes which will rotate when the green man signal appears. These measures will be provided to advise pedestrians, with a visual and hearing impairment, of the operation of the crossing. The new footway will enhance the area, currently the grass verges are being eroded by the public as there are insufficient footways in the locality.

Assessment of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act has been considered in the development of the scheme which is not expected to compromise equalities in terms of race, creed or gender, but to further improve access for all.

3.25

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

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

3.26

Sustainability

The scheme will aid pedestrian and cycle movement within the local community and provide a safer location for the public to cross Whiteley Way.

4.

Financial Arrangements

4.1

Expenditure

£'000

Funds Available

£'000

Design Fee

30.0

Developer Funding

130

Supervision

10.5

Project Works

89.5

Land

Nil

____

____

Total

130.0

Total

130

____

____

4.2

Revenue Implications

£'000

% Variation to Committee's budget

Net increase in

current expenditure

2.8

0.003

0.010

Capital Charge

13.0

____

____

Total Expenditure

15.8

0.013

____

____

4.3

4.4

Maintenance Implications

The installation of the traffic signals at this location will result in additional revenue expenditure, both in respect of maintenance works and its operation. Maintenance works include repairing equipment related faults, carrying out a biannual lamp change and undertaking an annual electrical inspection. Operating costs are incurred in respect of power and telecommunications.

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

5.

5.1

Conclusion

The installation of a controlled Toucan crossing and new footway/cycle links will assist pedestrians and cyclists crossing Whiteley Way. This will improve accessibility for the public between Whiteley retail area, the business and local residential areas. The local community expressed their concerns about the lack of crossing and footway facilities as they are experiencing difficulties crossing Whiteley Way due to high volumes of traffic. Consultations have been undertaken and the proposed improvements are welcomed as a much desired facility.

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

Whiteley Toucan Crossing

Environment Department

Rooms 415 and 311