SUPPORTING ECONOMIC GROWTH (Improving journey times, enabling people to get to jobs, supporting new housing growth)

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1 . APPENDIX C 2011/ 12 TRANSPORTATION CAPITAL PROGRAMME Details of progress with some of the more significant schemes in the programme is detailed below. INTEGRATED TRANSPORT SUPPORTING ECONOMIC GROWTH (Improving journey times, enabling people to get to jobs, supporting new housing growth) Ashley Road Phase 1 Proposed ongoing investment over a number of years aimed at reducing congestion, delays to buses and air pollution ; improving road safety ; improved environment to support economic vitality. A scheme to improve the attractiveness and use of car parks has almost been completed. This included improvements to pedestrian routes to car parks, car park signage as well as to lighting. Ashley Road Phase 2 The development of further, significant, improvements in Ashley Road will await any decision by DfT in respect of our joint (with Bournemouth and Dorset) Local Sustainable Transport Fund bid. This will be submitted in December, with a result not due until June In the meantime we will be investigating possible changes to the control of the existing signals at the main junctions along Ashley Road aimed at reducing congestion. We will be carrying out the first trials in the UK of a new type of Siemens vehicle detector which communicates wirelessly. We will also upgrade the controller and communications system from a BT Private Circuit line to IP-based ADSL Broadband. ITS Implementation Phase 2 Ongoing development and introduction of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) remains a key part of the Transportation Strategy in terms of efficient management of the existing road network. The main aims are intelligent traffic control to maximise capacity of the road network and also to provide up to date and relevant information to the public, whether in advance of their journey or indeed while they are travelling, which will enable them to make smarter choices in terms of the efficiency of their journey. Investment to date has been in terms of updating traffic signal systems, variable messaging signing, and the recent completion of an Urban Traffic Management Control (UTMC) system which links all of the various different systems to provide overall management capability. Furthermore this system provides a web based facility, in common with neighbouring authorities of Bournemouth and Dorset, to provide the public with all forms of journey information. Proposals being developed during the current year include for further conversion of signal controllers from private circuits to the cheaper IP-based UTMC equipment. In addition three new VMS signs are proposed for Wessex Way, Gravel Hill and Park Road. South East Dorset Traffic Model The 50K 2011/12 contribution to SED Dorset Study/ Model comprises: A 25K contribution to complete the Transport Study. This involves the development of a long term transport strategy based on technical analysis and extensive consultation in partnership with Bournemouth and Dorset Councils and the Highways Agency. The final recommendations and long term delivery plan are now included in the 2011/ 2026 LTP. 1

2 A 25K contribution to maintain and update the transport model. Each of the partnering Authorities have made a commitment to ensure the multi modal transport model is fit for purpose in line with DfT guidance. An up to date model will be required as the evidence base for any bids for major scheme funding or Local Sustainable Transport fund grants from central government. TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE (Reducing transport s emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases) Local Sustainable Transport Fund Bid (LSTF) The Government have set aside a fund of 560 million for Sustainable Transport in the 4 year period to Local transport authorities in England (outside London) were invited to apply for funding to support the cost of a range of sustainable travel measures. Packages might, for example, include measures that promote walking and cycling, encourage modal shift, manage effectively demands on the network, secure better traffic management, improve road safety and improve access and mobility for local communities. Bids would be for small packages of under 5 million and larger packages of up to 50 million over the Fund period, but bidders will only be able to be successful with one bid. Poole were unsuccessful with our small package bid but are now working with Bournemouth and Dorset in the preparation of a large project bid for the Local Sustainable Transport Fund for a package of sustainable transport measures on the main east west corridor linking Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch Town Centres.The proposals were identified in the Transport Study for South East Dorset, and the bid appraisal will utilise the recently developed transport model and evidence base of the Study. Criteria for allocating the Fund will include meeting the core objectives of supporting economic growth and reducing carbon consumption. Bids will also need to demonstrate value for money, deliverability and affordability of package proposals. The bid must be submitted by 20 December 2011, with a decision on funding due in June Bus Punctuality As an intrinsic part of the Quality Bus Partnership (QBP) with operators the Council are seeking to deliver a programme of low cost / high impact schemes on main bus routes to improve reliability of services. The bus operators have been asked for their priority areas where resources will be targeted to improve punctuality and reduce delays. The programme includes the alteration of the current traffic calming in the Turlin Moor area to ease the passage of buses and the provision of larger and more effective bus stop clearways at a number of locations throughout the Borough. Bus Priority at Signals The provision of bus priority at traffic signals will improve the reliability of services and hence encourage increased use of public transport. The Real Time Information system, which uses GPS tracking of buses, has been linked to the Traffic light control to provide priority at signals. Testing is currently being undertaken. Bus Facilities - Shelters Improvement to passenger waiting facilities is an important aspect of the Council s commitment to the QBC with bus operators. The Borough maintains a request list of locations throughout the Borough and liaises with bus companies to target the busiest stops in most need. Shelters are being provided in Arne Avenue (x2), Herbert Avenue, Poole College (Clock Tower), Northmead Drive plus new seats at stops in Canford Heath and Lagland Street. 2

3 Bus Facilities Raised kerbs There has been significant investment in new vehicles from bus operators and all local bus services operated in Poole by Wilts & Dorset and Yellow Buses are now fully wheelchair accessible. The Council is therefore continuing its rolling programme of raising kerbs at bus stops to permit flat, level access for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users and parents with buggies. Kerbs have been raised at stops in Wallisdown Road, Runnymede Avenue and Dale Valley Road so far this year, and further stops in Wallisdown Road should be completed in the winter. Real Time Bus Passenger Information The Borough s popular Real Time Information (RTI) system was procured in 2002 and now requires an upgrade of the radio communications system. This should aid performance and also assist with the reduction of ongoing revenue costs. BETTER SAFETY, SECURITY & HEALTH (Reducing accidents, improving air quality, encouraging walking/ cycling, reducing crime) Cabot Lane/ Creekmoor Lane cycling improvements Design is progressing regarding the provision of toucan crossings across Cabot Lane and Broadstone Way (West side of Cabot Lane), with improved detection. This will mean that the current 5 stage junction can be reduced to 4. This should have the added benefit of reducing delays. Pedestrian Crossing Ringwood Road A new signalised crossing of Ringwood Road was installed in the vicinity of Haskells Road. Ringwood Road was the highest ranked site on our priority list for new pedestrian crossing facilities, particularly as an elderly lady was killed trying to cross the road here a couple of years ago. The new Puffin is already proving very popular with pedestrians crossing this particularly busy (and wide) section of the road. It is also having a successful calming effect on the majority of approaching traffic. 3

4 Pedestrian Crossing Facilities Implementing pedestrian refuges, zebra crossings and signal controlled facilities across the Borough as part of a prioritised programme of works to encourage more people to walk (& cycle). Sites currently being looked at are:- (1) Canford Heath Road, junction Adastral Rd Pedestrian refuge, (2) Dorchester Road, near junction Hennings Park Rd Zebra crossing, (3) Stanley Green Road, junction Vicarage Rd Pedestrian refuge and (4) Haven Road, junction Ravine Rd Zebra crossing. Road Safety Schemes Focusing on reducing existing levels of accidents at identified locations. Also likely to include 20mph residential zones based on anticipated new guidance. Sites being looked at currently are - (1) The Holes Bay Road/ Broadstone Way roundabout, (2) Ringwood Road, at the junction with Dorchester Road, (3) Lower Blandford Road, near the parking bays in The Broadway. Road Safety Grant Capital grant associated with Camera Partnership, which was reduced to zero by the Government in June This represents a carryover from 2010/11 required for work already committed in this year, including accommodation and mobile laser cameras. The Dorset Strategic Road Safety Partnership Board are currently considering business cases for the use of the remaining funds and the choice will be between additional laser cameras or enabling enforcement at the Springdale SafeZone cameras. The Board will make a final decision in February PROW Improvements In order to encourage walking for recreational, health and commuting purposes the development of a comprehensive footpath network is essential. Public rights of way also provide important links for access to key services such as shops, GP s, schools and employment centres. A targeted programme is developed from The Rights of Way Improvement Plan and this assesses the needs of different users such as walkers, cyclists, horse riders and people with disabilities to ensure fair and equal access for all. Improvements to surfacing on Bridleway 25 through Knighton Heath Golf Club and the linking path to Ashdown Close/Nuffield Industrial Estate have been delivered this year. Further improvements to Bridleway 37 in Talbot Heath are planned, plus initial scoping of remedial works required for Turks Lane. Civic Centre cycling facilities Continuing the programme of encouraging cycling by provision of on or off road cycle lanes or paths. A scheme for a shared use facility around the Civic Centre is currently under development. It is expected that the details of this will be reported to this Group in December. Pedestrian Facilities - Dropped Crossings A large number of requests are received each year for dropped crossings to be installed at various locations normally at junctions. This is particularly important for those mobility issues, including drivers of motorised scooters. Locations are based on prioritised list to ensure maximum benefit is achieved. So far this year 12 No. sites have been completed (in the Old Town, Hamworthy, Canford Cliffs Rossmore and Parkstone). A further 20 No. priority sites are expected to be completed this financial year. 4

5 School schemes Branksome Heath Middle/ Sylvan 1 st It is now proposed that a 20mph zone should be introduced in the vicinity of the school entrances in Livingstone Road and Sylvan Road. Traffic calming in the form of a raised table and footway build-outs will be necessary in Livingstone Road to ensure the 20mph limit is self-enforcing. Traffic calming in the form of build outs will be necessary in Cranbrook Road and Sylvan Road to ensure the 20mph limit is self-enforcing. It is proposed to erect signs at the gateways to the 20 mph zone. In addition, the gateway effect would be further emphasised by using buff coloured surfacing across the road. A Report detailing the scheme was approved by the Area Committee on 9 th November. School schemes Baden Powell and St Peters A 20mph zone has recently been completed in the region of the above school. Parking and loading controls have been introduced in parts of Windsor Road, Kimberley Road, Mill Lane and Mill Hill Close, and an extension of the existing school zig-zag markings in Mill Lane. These markings can now be enforced using the camera car. School schemes Sandbanks Road Zebra Crossing A request for a crossing near the junction of Sandbanks Road with Glenair Avenue scored highly on our ranking system, based largely on the volume of traffic and number of pedestrians attempting to cross at this location and not on the basis of pedestrian accident numbers. A proposal to install a zebra crossing at this location was approved by this Group at the meeting of 31 st March. The installation has now been completed. 5

6 Birds Hill Road/ Parkstone Road footway improvements A scheme is being designed to install a new section of footway on the West side of the Birds Hill junction with Parkstone Road, and removal of all guardrailing to three sides of the junction. These improvements will provide improved access for pedestrians, but will also help cyclists exiting the Park and wishing to continue their journey on Parkstone Road. A separate report regarding this scheme is included elsewhere on this Agenda. Ringwood Road/ Sea View Road signal improvements About a third of accidents at this junction have a common thread, i.e. southbound drivers mistaking the left turn arrow into Sea View Road as a signal to go straight ahead to Ringwood Road, and colliding with cars turning right out of SVR. The construction of an additional island in Ringwood Road, to accommodate an additional signal pole for Ringwood Road straight ahead traffic, are now complete on site with minor lining works still to be finished. Shah of Persia pedestrian facilities Pedestrian facilities at this junction are poor and unlikely to be improved without considerable expenditure. It is included in the Schedule of priority schemes on the A35 as part of the large LSTF package bid to the DfT (see above). In the interim period investigations are underway to try to make some improvement here. However, that is dependent on whether Statutory Undertaker services will prevent any movement of kerb lines. Trial holes will be excavated soon to ascertain what might be possible. Following that a report will be submitted to this Group. IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE (Improving local environment, minimising noise, integration of transport and environment, improving journey experience for people) Town Centre Improvements for pedestrians/ cyclists Low cost / high impact schemes to improve the environment for pedestrians and cyclists in the Town Centre. Possible improvements currently being looked at include (1) Allowing cycling in the subway from the Bus Station to Poole Park. (2) Marking a shared use pedestrian/ cycle facility out of this subway and leading to the Kingland Road service road. (3) Provision of a raised crossing in Kingland Road between the park and the pool/subway. (4) Extending the scope of the 20mph limit in the park to the adjacent section of Kingland Road. (5) Improvements to cycle facilities in the area beneath Towngate Bridge. A separate report regarding these improvements is included elsewhere on this Agenda. PROMOTING EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY (Social inclusion, regeneration of deprived or remote areas, enabling disadvantage people to access jobs and services) Nuffield Industrial Estate accessibility study A survey of businesses on the Nuffield Industrial Estate identified a number of priorities for improvement. Of these, improvements to both direction signage and Public Transport were seen as the key issues. Discussion with the bus operators has shown that in the current economic climate there is little likelihood of a return to a direct commercial route serving the estate in the near future. However a pedestrian/ cycle signing scheme has been devised to assist not just pedestrians and cyclists but the potential public transport user as well. The Nuffield Estate is ringed by residential development and is permeated by an excellent network of footpaths and cycleways. By promoting these through clear signage it will massively increase awareness and improve usage, helping in particular to reduce the 6

7 numbers of short distance, single occupancy car journeys. The majority of the new signs would be on existing posts to reduce clutter wherever possible. The scheme was approved by Area Committee on 14 September and is expected to be implemented early in the new year. Once the improved signage is in place it is proposed to work with employers to encourage sustainable travel through distributing information on cycleways, carshare options, walking and public transport routes etc. in partnership with the bus operators. MAINTENANCE Highway Maintenance Ongoing programme of major reconstruction and resurfacing schemes surveyed and prioritised in accordance with nationally developed techniques to maintain highway assets in the most cost effective way. A list of the schemes being undertaken is included at Appendix B. Bridge Maintenance Ongoing programme of repair and strengthening of surveyed and prioritised structures in accordance with nationally developed techniques to maintain highway assets in most cost effective way. A Report on the Bridge Maintenance programme was approved by this Group at the last meeting in October. Following that meeting it is anticipated that the programme will now comprise, Ferry Way Car Park Wall - Surveys of the sheet pile wall which supports the small area of highway / car parking adjacent to the chain ferry showed that there has been significant deterioration of these steel sheet piles here since the last inspection 2 years ago. Existing holes have become larger and new ones have formed causing material behind the wall to be washed away. Design of the Ferry Way scheme is currently underway, with tenders being sought by the end of the year and, subject to being within the available budget, works will be undertaken during March Canford Suspension Bridge Repairs / refurbishment of complete structure. A detailed assessment is currently being undertaken by Dorset Engineering Consultancy. This has revealed several technical problems which are now being considered. Consent for working over the water has been obtained from the Environment Agency. Consultation with the Borough s conservation and arboricultural officers has also been undertaken. Culvert works at Sterte Avenue South and Esplanade This will involve clearance of silt/ debris, concrete repairs around discharge pipes and installation of step irons. Street Lighting Replacement Ongoing programme of replacement of structurally defective columns, prioritised on basis of risk assessment. Replacement costs approx. 1,100 per column. As well as the normal programme of ad hoc replacements columns have been, or will be, replaced in the following roads, Higher Blandford Road, Commercial Road, Poole Road, Parkstone Road, The Avenue, Mount Pleasant Road, Lilliput Road, Gravel Hill, Oakley Lane, Wimborne Road, Springdale Road, Lower Blandford Road, Alder Hills and Magna Road 7

8 OTHER SCHEMES Marston/ Bay Hog Gyratory Currently under construction with completion expected in December. Hamworthy Park Rail crossing Following a public consultation, at which several options were exhibited, the majority of respondents preferred Option A2, the DDA compliant foot/cycle bridge from the Harbour Reach Plaza, with a 1 metre high earth mound in the park allowing a shorter ramp. Following further development of this preferred scheme the next step will be to discuss the proposal with Network Rail, and to make a Planning Application. Yarrow Road/ Fancy Road link A feasibility study is about to commence in respect of the design of a footway / cycleway link between the south western end of fancy Road and Yarrow Road. This will include provision of a viewing platform at a suitable position if possible. Consultation will be necessary with Natural England as well as local residents. 8