Agenda item

This report and supporting appendix provides an Annual Review of the Highway Infrastructure Contract for Year 3 of the Contract Term covering the period 1 August 2019 to 31 July 2020.

Discussion:

The Committee received a report setting out an annual review of the Highway Infrastructure Contract for Year 3 of the Contract Term covering the period 1 August 2019 – 31 July 2020.

The following issues were discussed:

• Localised flooding - In response to a question concerning localised flooding, the Principal Engineer informed the Committee that most drainage systems across Medway were old and had limited capacity. Therefore, whilst a programme of gully cleansing was regularly undertaken, in periods of high rainfall, some areas were prone to flooding until such time that the additional water could drain away.

• KPI’s – Officers were requested to provide further information by way of a briefing note on the Key Performance Indicators referred to on pages 58 and 74 of the report and appendix.

• Resurfacing of highways and footways –The Principal Engineer informed the Committee that both road surfacing and footway resurfacing schemes were undertaken following a priority assessment scheme.

• Timing and quality of repairs – In response to a question concerning the time taken to complete minor works, the Principal Engineer explained the process by which works were undertaken following the issue of a 28 day order. She confirmed that in the main, works were completed earlier but there were occasions when this was not possible.

Concerning the quality of repairs, on occasion it was necessary to undertake a temporary repair which would then be repaired fully at a later date. The Principal Engineer advised that there was a rolling programme of inspections for road repairs and she suggested that if any Member had an issue with a road repair in their Ward, they notify officers to enable this to be investigated.

• Apprenticeships – Volker’s Contracts Manager informed the Committee that Volker had been successful after competing against 100 other nominations to be awarded the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Excellence Award for its work within the community. In response to a question concerning the level of apprenticeships on offer, he advised that Volker offered 2 – 3 apprentice placements each year and these roles could cover either administration or trade work. In addition, Volker also offered re-training opportunities to older age groups. He was pleased to report that to date at the end of the training period, all apprentices had been offered roles with the company.

• Plastic Kerbs – In response to a question as to the potential use of plastic kerbing, Volker’s Contracts Manager advised that such kerbing was suitable for use in some areas but not others. He assured the Committee that Volkers continued to investigate new technological advancements especially where they helped reduce carbon footprint.

• Electric charging  - The Committee discussed the provision of vehicle electric charging points, in particular, at the roadside. In response to questions, Volker’s Contracts Manager advised that Volkers were actively involved in the installation of vehicle electric charging points in London. However, for roadside schemes to be successful, it was necessary for the underlying infrastructure to be in place. The Committee asked for more information on this issue particularly taking into account that much of Medway was made up of Victorian housing and streets.

• Strood Flood Defence works – In response to a question as to those works which remained outstanding as part of the Strood Flood Defence works and the relationship between the Council’s work on this project and the Rochester Bridge Trust as owner of some of the land, the Principal Engineer advised that this was a project being completed by the Council’s Regeneration team and therefore she would obtain this information and respond to the Member direct.

• Strood Redevelopment project – Outstanding works and removal of pedestrian refuge in Gun Lane - In response to a question as those works which remained outstanding as part of the Strood Development project, the Director of Place and Deputy Chief Executive advised that minor lighting works remained outstanding and it was hoped these would be completed within the next few weeks.

Volker’s Contracts Manager advised that there were a few minor elements of work outstanding and some planting.

The Committee noted the request for the removal of the pedestrian refuges in Gun Lane, Strood which had been installed when it had originally been intended that Gun Lane was to be open to two-way traffic.

• New technology – The Principal Engineer advised of a scheme currently used by Surrey County Council and trialled by Kent County Council involving use of a device attached to highways and refuse vehicles which could register the condition of the highway and in particular pothole detection.

• Medway City Estate Slip Road - In response to a question concerning the provision of the Medway City Estate slip road, the Principal Engineer advised that the Council’s Regeneration team were responsible for this project and therefore she would ask the Project Manager to provide an update to the Member direct.

Decision:

The Committee noted the contents of the report and the annual review for Year 3 of the Highways Infrastructure Contract as set out in the appendix and agreed the following:

a)            a briefing note be supplied providing a breakdown of the Key Performance Indicators referred to within the report.

b)            a briefing note be supplied providing an update on the availability of new technologies as they relate to street lighting and vehicle electric charging.

c)            an update be provided as to outstanding Strood Flood Defence works including consultations with the Rochester Bridge Trust.

d)            information be supplied as to the outstanding works as part of the Strood Redevelopment project and in particular whether works could be undertaken to improve pedestrian access in Gun Lane including the removal of the existing pedestrian refuges.

e)            information be supplied as to progress on the highway works at Medway City Estate and Four Elms Hill.