horndeanmatters

The issue of road safety on White Dirt Lane has been controversial with three clear groups:

1 – Do Nothing

2 – Safety Improvements and

3 – Close it off.

After some heavily criticised consultations which were never going to be easy or identify a clear result, HCC have decided to carry out road safety improvements as the emergency services would not support closure. (Image below is one of the plans. Please click on the link at the bottom of the article for all the plans)

For what it is worth I think this is the best solution. While the residents on the lane have the biggest impact of some (very few) inconsiderate users, it is a dangerous road for pedestrians and I hope the main effect of the improvements is to encourage drivers who use it as a cut-through to use alternative routes like Drift Road when travelling from Clanfield to the South improving pedestrian safety.

The text below is a letter from HCC to the local residents and the plans for the works are at the bottom of this post.

Dear Resident

White Dirt Lane, Catherington – Installation of Traffic Calming Measures

Eastleigh Borough Council officers acting as agents to the Highway Authority (Hampshire County Council) will be overseeing work to install traffic calming measures on White Dirt Lane, Catherington which will provide a safer environment for all road users.

The works will involve the following:

• Installation of horizontal traffic calming measures in the form of four priority build-outs in the northern section of White Dirt Lane.
• Construction of overrun areas at the junction with Southdown Road to reduce entry speeds.
• Installation of new raised table feature at the junction with Glamorgan Road.
• Construction of vertical traffic calming features in the form of three sets of speed cushions between Glamorgan Road and Catherington Lane.

During the works it will be necessary to close White Dirt Lane and a signed diversion will be in place via Catherington Lane, Downhouse Road, Drift Road and White Dirt Lane.  We aim to reopen the road at the end of each day overnight where it is safe to do so.

Further details of the scheme can be accessed on the Hampshire County Council Website at: http://www3.hants.gov.uk/transport-schemes-index/transport-schemes-petersfield-east-hampshire/white-dirt-lane-catherington-traffic-calming.htm.

It is anticipated that the package of works will start during the week commencing Monday, 11 April 2016 for approximately 8 weeks, weather permitting.

Please click on this link for the WDL Improvements Plans