It is important that the current road network is kept in good condition to ensure that people and vehicles can move around in a safe and efficient way.

Highway Maintenance

The highway maintenance programme aims to prevent further deterioration of the current network by maintaining the long-term condition of principal road network and reducing the rate of deterioration on minor roads. This will include a review of the standards applied to the maintenance of cycling and walking routes, replacing defective street lighting, and improving the standard of direction signs. The biggest issue currently facing the area of highway maintenance is the long-term funding required to deal with the backlog of roads exhibiting less than zero years' residual life. Lack of investment over the last decade has led to an increasing problem, which currently threatens to remain unchecked if not dealt with pro-actively in the near future. The problem is one of national proportion but felt keenly in the conurbation due to the public expectation as itemised in the public consultation exercise.

Bridge Assessments and Strengthening

Maintenance of the structures within the conurbation is seen as a key requirement in contributing to a safe and efficient highway network. It will also meet the needs of business and freight distribution by making the best use of existing transport infrastructure.

Highway Structures in the Conurbation

All structures greater than 1.8m. span on A and B roads in the conurbation can carry 40-tonne vehicles or already have weight restrictions imposed which are acceptable to the highway authorities. The situation with respect to strengthening structures greater than 1.5m. is presently unknown but is unlikely to be extensive.

Poole Bridge Regeneration Initiative

The Poole Bridge Regeneration Initiative comprises major brownfield development with a sustainable transport network which will enlarge and enhance Poole's Central Area.

• Key features of the overall regeneration scheme are:
• 32 hectares of high-density mixed use development within 5 minutes walk of the High Street
• 1,000+ residential units located to produce 2,000 fewer car trips per day than a comparable suburban site
• A major improvement in bus services and their reliability
• A substantial new network of level pedestrian and cycle routes, much of it segregated from main roads
• A second lifting bridge between Poole Town Centre and Hamworthy
• Improvements to the 1927 lifting bridge

The new transport network will improve access to the Port of Poole, serve the new development and remove heavy traffic from residential areas. It is expected that the majority of the new transport network will be funded from increased land value, and this LTP bid seeks £14 million funding for the new lifting bridge and its approaches. Further details of the scheme, phasing of the various elements, and funding arrangements are in Volumes 4 and 5 of this LTP.

The second lifting bridge is a pre-requisite for intensive development of the brownfield land. The overall scheme makes a major contribution to the six LTP objectives and promotes the use of non-car modes. It will deliver improvements to bus services, includes new pedestrian and cycle facilities, and enhance sustainable distribution at the Port of Poole. Regeneration on the Hamworthy peninsula, one of the poorest areas in the conurbation, will greatly improve social inclusion by creating new local employment and affordable housing with easy access to Poole Town Centre.

Trunk Road Links

The 1998 Trunk Roads review proposed to remove the A31/A35 west of Ferndown from the trunk road network. However, representations by local authorities via the South West Regional Planning Conference persuaded Government to reassess the proposal, and the A31/A35 remains part of core network.

The review also proposed the deletion of the A31 to Poole link and the Poole harbour crossing. The authorities believe that the issue of an adequate link between the A31 and the Port of Poole is of regional importance. The port has trans-european network status and is the second busiest port in the South West.

With advice from the Highways Agency and Government Office South West, the three authorities have assessed how best to solve the problems between Poole and the A31 trunk road. This strategic assessment has revealed the following key points:

• Both trunk schemes had reached preferred route stage, but schemes are unlikely to meet the requirements of the New Approach to Transport Appraisal.
• Cheaper and less environmental damaging options are possible.
• Both schemes are associated with sustainable land-use; the Poole Harbour Crossing has exceptional potential for this.

Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset, with the support of the District Councils will press for a comprehensive study of the A31/Poole gap to be carried out by the Highways Agency.