Approval to take the A229 Loose Road Corridor Junction improvement scheme through the next stages of development and delivery including authority to progress statutory orders and to enter into funding and construction contracts.
Reason for Decision:
The scheme is identified in the Maidstone Integrated Transport Package (MITP) to reduce congestion and ease traffic movements through the town.
Background:
The scheme involves the removal of an existing building, which has been purchased by KCC property team and the construction a signalised junction on the A229/A274. In conjunction with this improvement, and to ensure connectivity between the junctions on the corridor, an new set of traffic signals will be installed at the junction with Plains Avenue, reconfiguration of the junction at Armstrong Road/Park Way and alteration of the lining leading into Sheals Crescent.
Options: Various options have been considered but discarded as the proposal being taken provides the maximum benefits and least impact on the surrounding area. Alternative options required the acquisition of multiple adjacent private frontages, which would have required all residents to agree the purchase. The cost of purchase and agreements would have been protracted and made the scheme unviable.
How the proposed decision meets the objectives of ‘Increasing Opportunities, Improving Outcomes: Kent County Council’s Strategic Statement (2015-2020)’ The scheme supports policy objectives of supporting existing businesses and encouraging economic activity with housing growth and job creation by reducing congestion and improving infrastructure and accessibility. These also meet the objectives set out in the existing Local Plan.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Expenditure or savings of more than £1m;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Division affected: Maidstone Central; Maidstone South;
Notice of proposed decision first published: 04/01/2021
Decision due: Not before 2nd Feb 2021 by Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport
Reason: To enable the proposed decsion to be published on the FED for 28 days
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport
Lead director: Simon Jones
Department: Growth, Environment & Transport
Contact: Russell Boorman, Project Manager 03000 413538 Email: russell.boorman@kent.gov.uk.
Consultees
Consultation on the proposals have been
undertaken and completed in March 2020.
The proposal will be considered by Members of the Environment and
Transport Cabinet Committee at their meeting on 19th January.
Views of local members were sought as part of the consultation
process in March 2020 and continue to be sought via the Maidstone
Joint Transportation Board and individual meetings.
Financial implications: Total cost of the scheme is £4.5m. Funding has been secured from the Local Growth Fund and developer contributions to deliver these improvements. All associated staff costs and post scheme monitoring have been included within the pre-tender estimates
Legal implications: None
Equalities implications: None. A screening report has been completed and a full EqIA developed. Detailed scheme design will further consider and review equalities aspects. Data Protection implications – N/A as no personal date will be collected