ITEM EX7 - ANNEX 4

EXECUTIVE – 28 OCTOBER 2003

TRANSPORT CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2003/04 TO 2005/06

Projects which significantly influence the 2003/04 Transport Capital Programme

Hennef Way, Banbury

The urgency to get the scheme "on the ground" left certain issues regarding Railtrack structures unresolved. Dealing with these issues after the contract was awarded has lead to a significant cost over-run and funding has had to be reviewed. In recognition of likely cost increases just over £1m of additional developer funding has been allocated to allow the current year’s SCP allocation to remain as previously agreed. An increase in SCP support for the scheme is likely to be required in 2004/05 when the final account for the contract is settled.

Cornmarket

This scheme is substantially funded by Oxford City Council. Unforeseen problems with underground services and unrecorded cellars and basements have delayed the scheme and are likely to result in a cost over-run of up to £250k. Oxford City Council’s contribution is a fixed amount so this cost increase will have to be met from elsewhere in the programme.

Henley, Market Place Enhancement

The scheme is part funded by fixed contributions from both Henley Town Council and South Oxfordshire District Council with the remaining cost being covered by the County Council from the Henley ITS budget. Difficulties during the contract have lead to a cost increase and as final account negotiations with the contractor are still ongoing the actual magnitude of the increase is not yet known. £100k of the current year’s £240k ITS budget is allocated to the scheme, however this will need to be reviewed in the light of the final out-turn cost of the contract.

Green Road Roundabout

Extended consultation has delayed the start of construction of phase one and some of the funding allocated this financial year will need to be carried over into next year.

Wolvercote Roundabout

Proposals for part signalising the junction are being independently checked and the scheme is now planned to commence in March/April 2004. Savings on the current year’s OSPS(£100k) and SCP(£50k) budgets will result. These savings will be needed to cover cost overruns on other schemes.

Premium Routes

Severe staff shortages have meant that much of the current year’s programme has had to be abandoned. It is anticipated that only £250k out of an allocated £650k will be spent freeing up some £400k of SCP to cover cost increases in other areas.

Skimmingdish Lane and DMH2

Negotiations are being held with the respective contractors regarding the settlement of outstanding contract final accounts and in each case the contractor’s financial aspirations exceed the amount currently certified for payment by a considerable amount. These schemes are funded from developer contributions and meeting any increases in cost will leave less funding available for future schemes proposed as part of the Bicester and Didcot Integrated Transport Strategies.

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