Archived decisions

Hampshire County Council

Buildings, Land and Procurement Panel

20 March 2007

Executive Member - Policy and Resources

5 April 2007

Project Appraisal: A340 Aldermaston Road, Basingstoke - Improvements

Report of the Director of Environment

Item 7

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

BUILDINGS, LAND AND PROCUREMENT PANEL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - POLICY AND RESOURCES

ITEM 7

PROJECT APPRAISAL

PROJECT:

A340 ALDERMASTON ROAD, BASINGSTOKE - IMPROVEMENTS

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

AUTUMN 2007

COMPLETION DATE:

SPRING 2009

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

1.

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

Current

Capital

Estimate

Programme

(at 2006

(at 2006

prices)

prices)

Capital Expenditure

£'000

£'000

Land to be purchased

nil

nil

Construction

3,680

3,680

Fees

820

820

4,500

4,500

Less developers contributions

941

941

3,559

3,559

Financial provision for total scheme

Total Cost

1.

From Committees own resources

(a) Capital programme (as above)

3,559

(b) Other

2.

From other resources

(a) Developer contribution

941

(b)

(c)

TOTAL

4,500

Value of land for this project in HCC ownership £

Variations from capital programme

Revenue implications

£'000

% variation

to Committee's

Budget

Net current expenditure

34

0.033

Capital charges

372

0.278

TOTAL net expenditure

406

0.311

2.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

2.1

2.2

2.3

2.4

2.5

2.6

2.7

2.8

This report concerns the works associated with the A340 Aldermaston Road Improvements scheme to implement a range of highway enhancements to the A340 Aldermaston Road and the A340/A339 Ringway Interchange, Basingstoke. It seeks approval for these works, together with the authority to let these works as part of a composite contract to include the co-located, remaining advance infrastructure works (Contract 3 Works) for the County Council-owned Merton Rise site.

A340 Aldermaston Road Improvements

The A340 Aldermaston Road Improvements scheme is shown more particularly on Plan 17/A340/13/060 REV C and comprises the following:

(i) installation of traffic signals on all six approach arms of the roundabout junction with additional carriageway widening;

(ii) widening of the A340 Aldermaston Road to dual carriageway from Priestley Road to the roundabout junction with two lanes in both directions; and

(iii) providing pedestrian footways on Popley Way northwards from Abbey Road, on Oakridge Road from Osborne Close to the roundabout and southwards along Aldermaston Road South to Hubbard Road.

A southbound bus lane from Priestley Road to the roundabout junction utilising one of the two new lanes is proposed for implementation at sometime in the future. Approval is sought to reconsider the implementation of this bus lane at a later date.

Merton Rise (Contract 3) Infrastructure Works

The Merton Rise (Contract 3) infrastructure works are funded through the Policy and Resources Capital Programme funding and were approved by the Executive Member for Policy and Resources in July 2005. The joint contract is programmed to be tendered in summer 2007 following grant of planning consent on part of the Merton Rise works. The Merton Rise (Contract 3) Works (described in more detail in the attached appendix) are shown on Plan 17/C44/1/049 and comprise the following:

(i) improvements to the existing signal-controlled junction of the A340 Aldermaston Road with Priestley Road to provide the principal, western development access into the site; and

(ii) completion of the Spine Road between the A340 and Sherborne Road which bisects the Merton Rise site.

The Merton Rise (Contract 3) Works will provide the full servicing arrangements for the Development Phases 3, 4 and 5 that in turn contribute to the Capital Receipt Programme from 2008/09 onwards.

Outcome

This scheme will provide a safer and more secure environment for road users and pedestrians by reducing casualties at a known accident hot spot.

The proposal will support the economic vitality of Basingstoke and the surrounding area, by managing traffic flow and congestion through traffic signal control and carriageway widening measures at a major interchange on the strategic road network. The duration and level of disruption caused by construction works will also be reduced through the combined procurement of new improvement and maintenance works.

The works will deliver improvements in journey time reliability and hospital access through traffic signal control and carriageway widening measures.

3.

Recommendation

That the Buildings, Land and Procurement Panel advises the Executive Member for Policy and Resources to approve:

(i) the Project Appraisal to carry out the following improvements at the A340 Aldermaston Road and A340/A339 Ringway Interchange at an estimated cost of £4.5 million:

(a) installing traffic signals on all six approach arms of the roundabout junction with additional carriageway widening;

(b) widening the A340 Aldermaston Road to dual carriageway from Priestley Road to the roundabout junction with two lanes in both directions;

(c) providing pedestrian footways on Popley Way northwards from Abbey Road, on Oakridge Road from Osborne Close to the roundabout and southwards along Aldermaston Road South to Hubbard Road;

(d) undertaking essential major maintenance to the existing roundabout carriageway and drainage network; and

(e) reconsidering the provision of a bus lane southbound only from Priestley Road to the roundabout junction, utilising one of the two proposed lanes, at a time in the future; and

(ii) procurement of a joint contract for the improvements at the A340 Aldermaston Road and A340/A339 Ringway Interchange in conjunction with the Merton Rise (Contract 3) Infrastructure Works.

4.

STATEMENT OF NEED/JUSTIFICATION FOR PROJECT

(Client Department)

4.1

The A340 Basingstoke Ringway to Tadley section runs from the A339 Ringway Interchange (Aldermaston Roundabout) to its junction with the B3051 at the county boundary, just north of Tadley. It is designated as a County Distributor Road, forms the main link between Basingstoke and the A4 (which links Newbury and Reading) and is the primary access route to North Hampshire Hospital and the Atomic Weapons Establishment at Tadley. The A30/A340 Basingstoke Western/Southern Ringway is a designated part of the county's Strategic Road Network.

Local Transport Plan

4.2

As the number of vehicles using the A340 has increased, the existing roundabout junction has become congested during busy peak hours. The need for improvement to the A340 Aldermaston Road was originally identified in the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Local Plan in 1992 (Policy T3.2). It is currently defined within the North Hampshire Transport Strategy section of the Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 to address the existing congestion problem and poor public transport accessibility to the North Hampshire Hospital.

South East Plan

4.3

The Western Corridor and Blackwater Valley Sub-Region is considered in the South East Plan as a region that will accommodate a high level of housing growth up to 2026. Basingstoke is designated a regional transport hub in the Regional Transport Strategy and within the sub-region may be required to accommodate up to 16,000 new homes.

Current Situation

4.4

The A340/A339 Ringway Interchange (Aldermaston Roundabout) currently experiences high traffic flow demands particularly at peak periods, with consequent unpredictable delays to both general traffic and buses. The junction also has a very poor road safety record, with one of the highest numbers of accidents for any junction in Hampshire. The six-arm roundabout is not signalised, and issues of road safety, journey time reliability and severance are evident. These are explained in more detail in the following sections.

Road Safety

4.5

The A340/A339 Ringway Interchange has one of the highest numbers of accidents for any junction in Hampshire, with 28 reported injury accidents over the last three years. Fortunately there were no fatalities, although four accidents were serious (14%). In common with other roundabouts on the network, traffic approach speeds are high. Rear-end shunts on the approach arms account for 75% of all reported accidents while loss of control and turning movement conflicts are also evident.

4.6

The rear-end shunts on the approach arms are considered to be associated with high traffic flow on the roundabout itself limiting gaps that permit vehicles to enter the roundabout safely. Traffic signal control on all arms of the Interchange will allow safe and managed vehicular access to the roundabout and eliminate turning movement conflicts. Traffic signal control of the Interchange can reasonably be predicted to reduce the number of collisions by 50%.

4.7

The scheme proposals are predicted to reduce the 28 accidents recorded over the last three years by half over the following three years and to save the public purse an estimated £0.9 million in associated accident costs.

Congestion

4.8

Existing delays have been recorded on the approaches to the current roundabout during the morning and evening peak periods and these are likely to rise significantly each subsequent year as a result of traffic growth and development growth in the area.

4.9

The table below shows a comparison of the current average delays per vehicle in minutes with the predictions for when the improvements are in place at the year of opening (2008), at full occupation of Merton Rise (2011), and at full occupation of all other potential development sites in the area (2011).

Existing Average 2008 Opening 2011 including 2011 including Delay (2006) Year Merton Rise All Development

AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM

peak peak peak peak peak peak peak peak

A340 Southbound 2 min 5 min 2 min 4.5 min 13 min 8 min 14 min 17 min

Popley Way 1 min 1 min 3.5 min 1 min 3 min 4 min 8 min 1 min

A339 Eastbound - - 1 min 1 min 1.5 min 2 min 19 min 1 min

off-slip road

Oakridge Road 1 min 1 min 1 min 5 min 1 min 6 min 1 min 7 min

A340 Northbound 1.min 1 min 1 min 3 mni 9 min 6 min 10 min 3 min

A339 Westbound - - 1 min 1 min 1 min 10 min 1 min 11 min
off-slip road

4.10

The traffic generated by Park Village, Aldermaston Road Triangle Site, North Popley, Popley Fields, Former John Hunt Site, Priestley Road site, former Park Prewett Golf Course and Trumpet Junction development sites were considered in the above assessment.

4.11

The installation of traffic signals will maintain traffic delay on most arms at their current 2006 levels when the scheme opens in 2008. Compared with existing delays recorded in 2006 it should be noted that delays on Popley Way are predicted to increase by approximately two minutes in the morning peak hour. Increases of two and four minutes are predicted on the A340 northbound (Aldermaston Road South) and Oakridge Road arms respectively in the evening peak at year of opening. It should be noted that increased delays will be likely on most approaches without implementing the scheme, due to background growth in traffic levels.

4.12

An assessment has been made of the impact of known development in the surrounding area. The impact of the Merton Rise development has been assessed for 2011 when it is expected to be fully developed. Notable changes in delays are predicted on the A340 southbound approach where the average delay per vehicle would increase by around 11 minutes in the morning peak period and by approximately 3 minutes in the evening when compared against current delay. Other arms that are predicted to experience additional delays are the A340 northbound where the average delay per vehicle would increase by 8 minutes in the morning peak and 5 minutes in the evening peak. The A339 westbound would experience increased average delays of 9 minutes per vehicle.

4.13

A further assessment has been carried out using the traffic flows associated with all of the known development in the Popley area. In comparison with the impact of the Merton Rise development, this additional traffic is expected to produce increased delays on several approaches. In the morning peak these include the A339 eastbound off-slip road where the delay would increase to around 19 minutes per vehicle and on Popley Way where the average delay per vehicle is predicted to be around 8 minutes. For the evening peak the average delay on the A340 southbound would be approximately 17 minutes.

Journey Time Reliability

4.14

The A340/A339 Ringway Interchange experiences high traffic flow demands, particularly during peak periods, with consequent unpredictable delays to both general traffic and buses. Full signal control will enable the junction to be managed flexibly, responding to varying traffic conditions and situations.

4.15

Journey times for all traffic, as well as scheduling for bus services, will become more reliable with the introduction of signal control and priority can be given to certain traffic movements at particular times of the day, ie peak periods. This will help to alleviate congestion, building on specific approaches to the junction.

Access Improvements

4.16

The lack of pedestrian facilities at the A340/A339 Ringway Interchange roundabout poses a serious issue of severance caused by the junction. Heavily worn tracks confirm that there is existing pedestrian usage and demand;

however no provision is available to safely cross the road at this location. This combination poses significant road safety concerns with the current junction arrangements.

4.17

No current provision exists for cyclists, who are unlikely to use the roundabout to any significant degree due to the danger from high vehicle speeds.

4.18

The existing junction arrangement is not conducive to permitting access to the services and employment areas in Basingstoke town centre by a variety of modes. The implementation of new footways and cycle facilities would help overcome the issues of severance that currently exist. The provision of traffic signals at the junction would allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross safely and actively encourage greater use of these modes for short journeys in the area.

4.19

Traffic signal modelling has taken pedestrian and cyclist movements into account and can demonstrate efficient management of stacking at the signals with minimal delay to vehicles. However, at a local Members' scheme briefing meeting the Members expressed the desire to remove all cycle facilities from the proposals and all pedestrian and cyclist links across the roundabout. Consequently, the proposals were revised to accommodate these requests.

Bus Priority

4.20

North Hampshire Hospital is accessed from the A340 via Priestley Road and is serviced by Stagecoach bus routes 2, 5, 9 and 45. Bus route 2 also serves Tadley and Baughurst on the A340. There is scope to make journeys more reliable through bus priority measures southbound between the Priestley Road junction and the roundabout. Currently buses are held up in peak hour traffic congestion which proves detrimental to bus punctuality and reliability. Furthermore, for this reason, the bus will not appear a realistic alternative to private car use for potential new users of public transport locally.

4.21

4.22

4.23

4.24

4.25

4.26

4.27

Under the existing arrangements bus routes 2 and 5 operate at a 20 minute daytime frequency with routes 9 and 45 approximately every hour. Permitted housing growth and potential future housing allocations suggest that a further two new high frequency bus services could benefit from the bus lane. In addition to this, initial discussions with the Atomic Weapons Establishment are suggesting that with plans to expand the facilities at the Aldermaston site the Establishment will provide a private works bus service to the Basingstoke area via the A340. It is anticipated that the Establishment, when fully expanded, will attract an additional 3,000 plus workers from the Basingstoke area.

An assessment has been made into the effect of providing a bus lane on the A340 southbound approach to the traffic signals (see table below). Installing a bus lane in the year of the scheme opening would add an average of four minutes delay per vehicle in each of the morning and evening peak periods, compared with its omission. A bus lane would have no impact on delays for the other approaches to the signalised roundabout. Looking ahead to 2011 with the addition of all development traffic in the Popley area, the impact of the bus lane on the A340 southbound delay is reduced. In the evening peak the average delays for vehicles predicted for the two scenarios would be comparable. In the morning peak the bus lane would add three minutes delay per vehicle compared with its omission.

Without With Without With

Bus Lane 2008 Bus Lane 2008 Bus Lane 2011 Bus Lane 2011

Opening Year Opening Year including including

All Development All Development

A340/A339 AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM

Interchange peak peak peak peak peak peak peak peak

Approach

A340 southbound 2 min 4.5 min 6 min 8 min 14 min 17 min 17 min 17 min

Popley Way 3.5 min 1 min 4 min 1 min 8 min 1 min 8 min 1 min

A339 eastbound

off slip road 1 min 1 min 1 min 1 min 19 min 1 min 19 min 1 min

Oakridge Road 1 min 5 min 1 min 6 min 1 min 7 min 1 min 7 min

A340 northbound 1 min 3 min 1 min 3.5 min 10 min 3 min 10 min 3 min

A339 westbound

off slip road 1 min 1 min 1 min 1 min 1 min 11 min 1 min 11 min

Implementing the scheme with a bus lane in the short term results in longer journey times for all vehicles. However, as development traffic growth takes place in the medium to long term the inclusion of a bus lane has a minimal to neutral impact on journey time for all vehicles but a benefit for buses.

In the short term, the additional southbound lane and roundabout signalisation will ensure manageable and reliable bus journey times. In the medium to long term the additional lane may be utilised to provide the bus priority at a time when to do so has little impact on other vehicles. Providing the bus priority in the medium to long term will be supported by the need for higher bus frequencies and new routes to serve the new development areas at that time.

The North Popley Action Plan and Transport Assessment for the North Popley urban extension assumes that 10% of residents will use a bus. Without bus priority measures it is unlikely that this mode share will be realised. Residents are likely to use the private car or other modes instead. If only 5% or 6% of residents from Merton Rise choose to travel by bus (which is the Basingstoke average) an additional 700 trips on the network per day could be expected.

These improvements are considered to have the highest priority and are put forward as the first phase of A340 corridor improvements.

Targets and Outcomes

The safety target within Local Transport Plan 2 is to reduce the most serious road casualties by 40% by 2010 from their mid-1990s levels; together with a further 30% reduction by 2010 from a new 2000-04 baseline; and with a 10% reduction in the number of slight casualties from the five year 2000-04 average baseline to 2010.

5.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL (Client Department)

National/County Network and Policies

5.1

The A340 Aldermaston Road Improvements scheme is identified within the North Hampshire Transport Strategy section of Hampshire County Council's Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 and specifically aims to satisfy the Plan's objectives in the following ways:

(i) increasing accessibility through the provision of new pedestrian routes;

(ii) promoting safety and reducing the effects of congestion through signalisation of Aldermaston Roundabout and carriageway widening measures on the A340 and roundabout approach roads;

(iii) widening travel choice by improving public transport reliability through the possible introduction of a bus/multi-occupancy priority lane on the A340 southbound carriageway; and

(iv) encouraging value for money and efficient asset management by undertaking major highway maintenance works in conjunction with the improvement scheme.

5.2

The scheme also meets the objectives of the former Basingstoke Environmental Strategy for Transport to improve travel choice.

Details of Scheme and Design Standards

5.3

This project appraisal deals with the A340/A339 Ringway Interchange and the A340 Aldermaston Road proposals. These include traffic signals on all six approach arms of the existing roundabout, with some additional carriageway widening to enable additional stacking capacity on the A339 eastbound off-slip road, Popley Way and Aldermaston Road South.

5.4

Essential major maintenance works to the existing roundabout carriageway and upgrading of the road drainage network will also be undertaken in conjunction with the improvements. Taking the opportunity to do maintenance works at the same time as the improvements will minimise future disruption on the road network and represents efficient and cost effective asset management.

5.5

The A340 Aldermaston Road will be widened to a two-lane dual carriageway from Priestley Road to the roundabout with a double-sided safety barrier mounted in the central reserve. New street lighting will be installed as part of the Merton Rise infrastructure works on the A340/Priestley Road junction and will continue along both verges of the A340 from Priestley Road to the roundabout to provide improved night time driver visibility.

5.6

The proposed traffic signals will be operated within the County Council's existing urban traffic control system. Closed circuit television monitoring will be provided to assist the County Council's Traffic Control Centre and the Police in maximising the efficiency of the network and managing unplanned incidents.

5.7

Pedestrian footways on Popley Way northwards from Abbey Road, on Oakridge Road from Osborne Close to the roundabout and southwards along Aldermaston Road South to Hubbard Road will provide better local access to bus stops and amenities in the area.

5.8

The Merton Rise (Contract 3) Works (which are described in more detail in the attached appendix) involve improvements to the existing signal controlled junction of the A340 Aldermaston Road with Priestley Road South to provide the principal, western development access to the site, together with a substantial green field element which will see the completion of the organising Spine Road between the A340 and Sherborne Road which bisects the Merton Rise site. The Contract 3 works will provide the full servicing arrangements for the Development Phases 3, 4 and 5 that in turn contribute to the Capital Receipt Programme from 2008/09 onwards.

Traffic Management

5.9

The North Hampshire Hospital Accident and Emergency Department requires efficient round-the-clock ambulance access to ensure the best possible outcomes for critically ill patients. The phasing of construction works on the A340 will require close liaison with the police and other emergency services to develop the most appropriate temporary traffic management arrangements to ensure the hospital is readily accessible at all times, particularly during peak traffic periods.

Procurement Strategy and Funding

5.10

The recommended procurement option is to let the works as part of a composite contract to include the co-located, remaining advance infrastructure works (Contract 3) for the County Council-owned Merton Rise site. Construction of the works are programmed to start on-site in autumn 2007 and suits previously identified start date for the remaining infrastructure works on Merton Rise.

5.11

The A340 Aldermaston Road Improvement Works are promoted by the County Council as Highway Authority, and the Merton Rise (Contract 3) Works are progressed by HCC in its capacity as a public developer. It is considered appropriate to procure these works in a single composite contract, albeit with sectional completion arrangements. This arrangement will ensure that the period of disruption for users of the existing local highway network is minimised as far as possible. There are also cost benefits from economies of scale and avoidance of duplication with compound facilities, Preliminaries and tender document preparation.

5.12

The proposed works to the existing A340 corridor and A340/A339 Ringway Interchange are likely to have a 12-month duration. Whilst it is intended that the overall contract is commenced in autumn 2007, the nature of the green field work and chalk character of the Merton Rise site preclude these works being undertaken in the winter months and it is therefore intended that these be subject to a sectional completion arrangement for no later than December 2008 to fit with the sales programme for the Merton Rise Phase 3 land.

5.13

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

5.14

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

Land Requirements

5.15

The proposed works will be delivered entirely within the existing highway boundary and will not require the purchase of any additional land or agreements for temporary possession.

Environmental Impact

5.16

Some large areas of dense undergrowth and trees are expected to be lost as a result of the improvements. Most of the trees to be cleared are of poor quality and lie within the highway boundary. Several overhanging trees from adjacent properties will be lost due to their close proximity to the works and the encroachment of their root structures within the highway boundary. Replacement planting and landscaping will be undertaken to mitigate the loss of valuable screening vegetation. Trees to be cleared from adjacent properties will be replaced subject to agreement with the relevant landowner.

Statutory Procedures

5.17

A permanent traffic regulation order to reduce the speed limit on the Aldermaston Roundabout carriageway from derestricted status to 30 mph is proposed. Temporary speed limits of 30 mph on the A340 and 50 mph eastbound on the A339 Ringway North from Reading Road Roundabout, and westbound from Newbury roundabout, will be required during some phases of the construction. Temporary road closure orders to facilitate some of the roadworks will also be needed.

Public Consultation

5.18

Public consultation on the proposals was undertaken in November 2006. A two-day exhibition was held in the local area and a public e-consultation exercise undertaken via the County Council website. Approximately 50 letters publicising the consultation event and drawing attention to the proposals were sent to local County Council and Borough Council Members, parish councils, community groups, transport operators, emergency services, adjacent local authorities, cycle groups, representatives of disabled people, community transport providers, local businesses and others. A scheme plan was displayed with comment forms available in Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Civic Offices for a month and Tadley Library for a week. Advertisements were placed in the Basingstoke Gazette and the Basingstoke Observer and a press release was circulated to the local media. Also an interview was conducted on local radio.

5.19

An estimated 30 people attended the exhibition and comments were received from seven attendees. General support for the scheme was expressed in five attendee comments, with one specifically expressing support for the bus lane. Opposition to the proposed bus lane was expressed in two attendee comments (both attendees are Borough Councillors).

5.20

The e-consultation exercise resulted in five e-mailed responses. One response expressed full support for the proposals and three opposed the bus lane. The remaining response sought clarification on the proposals and did not express a view.

5.21

Scheme briefing meetings with Councillor Kendal and local Members were held in January and February 2007 to establish Members' views. The Members expressed concern for the provision of pedestrian and cyclist facilities on the roundabout and the delays incurred to general traffic by controlled pedestrian crossings. Support for the proposals has been received from the emergency services.

Local Members' Views

5.22

Clarity was sought on the views of all the Basingstoke Members at a meeting held by Councillor Kendal in February 2007. The recommendations in this report concur with the proposals agreed at that meeting. The local Members, Councillors Frankum and Reid, attended this meeting and support the agreed proposals. Consequently, the scheme is supported by the local Members.

Impact Assessments

5.23

Tactile surfaces are to be provided at pedestrian crossing areas to assist people with visual impairment.

5.24

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.

Maintenance Implications

5.25

The installation of traffic signals at this location will result in additional revenue expenditure, in respect of both maintenance works and operation. Maintenance works include repairing faults, a biannual lamp change and undertaking an annual electrical inspection. Operation costs are incurred in respect of electrical power and telecommunications. Traffic signal equipment is anticipated to operate satisfactorily between 10 and 15 years after which it will need to be replaced. The anti-skid surfacing may need to be renewed at more regular intervals to ensure adequate performance.

5.26

If the maintenance costs of new Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) installations are not taken into account at the setting of the annual base budget and do not match the rate of growth of ITS equipment, there will be increasing pressure to reduce maintenance standards and on the ability to replace ageing and obsolete equipment.

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

5.27

Works on the A339 eastbound off-slip and A340 adjacent to the Eli Lilly perimeter fence must ensure that security of the adjacent property is not compromised at any time during the construction phase. Liaison with Eli Lilly throughout the construction will ensure adequate security measures are in place to prevent unauthorised access.

Sustainability

5.28

The scheme supports the following Aalborg commitments on sustainability:

(i) Governance. Through holding an exhibition in the local area and giving the public opportunity to comment;

(ii) Local management towards sustainability. By identifying the opportunities to use recycled materials;

(iii) Natural common goods. Reducing impact on water and biodiversity through implementing sustainable drainage features (SUDS) in the proposed road drainage and implementing a replacement policy on trees and planting cleared as a result of the works;

(iv) Responsible consumption and lifestyle choices. By reducing new material requirement through re-use of existing materials;

(v) Planning and design. By encouraging value for money and efficient asset management by undertaking maintenance works in conjunction with the improvement scheme and by combining adjacent works under a single contract;

(vi) Better mobility and less traffic. By encouraging walking, cycling and bus use; and

(vii) Social equity and justice. Through new facilities that provide improved access for all.

6.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT - ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

(Client Department)

6.1

The feasibility of doing nothing was considered and rejected on the grounds that growth in general traffic and also traffic generated by planned housing would continue to worsen to the level whereby queues on the A339 slip roads would affect the main carriageway traffic. The implementation of minor safety improvements in recent years highlights that accidents are still occurring at a significant rate, warranting more substantial measures to help achieve national safety targets.

6.2

Partial traffic signal control of the roundabout was considered and rejected as anticipated queue lengths on the A339 slip roads were unacceptable. These investigations highlighted the need for the provision of additional queuing length on the A339 eastbound slip road and widening of the A340 northbound carriageway to two lanes to provide adequate capacity.

6.3

`Multiple-Occupancy' and `Non-Car' priority measures utilising one of the two proposed A340 southbound lanes were considered and rejected as an alternative to bus priority due to enforcement and traffic safety issues.

6.4

Inclusion of a bus priority measure on the A340 at the opening of the scheme was considered and rejected on the grounds that in the short term the delays to all traffic are unacceptable. County Council policy supports the inclusion of a bus lane; however at the present time this element of the project has not received local support. Once the approved scheme has been implemented and become operational, it is proposed that the position be reviewed post 2010.

6.5

Shared pedestrian and cycle routes connecting Popley Way to Oakridge Road and Aldermaston Road South via the roundabout junction were considered. Pedestrian survey data and well-worn paths on the roundabout grass verges indicated an underlying demand from pedestrians to cross the roundabout despite the hazardous conditions. Signalisation of the roundabout would provide the opportunity to formalise a safe route using controlled crossings. Combined facilities for cyclists were included to offer wider modal choice at minimal additional expense. This option was rejected by the local Members following consultation.

6.6

The construction works programme coincides with the Merton Rise infrastructure works that include modifications to the A340/Priestley Road junction. A construction start date to follow immediately after completion of the junction works under a separate contract was considered and rejected. This arrangement would cause an extended period of disruption and it was considered unacceptable to miss an opportunity to minimise disruption and take advantage of economies of scale provided through a joint contract.

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

Scheme files 17/A340/13/000 to 400

Environment Department

Room 311