Southampton city access to be improved

Highways England has unveiled a proposed route designed to improve access into Southampton City Centre.

The new route includes a major upgrade to junction 8 of the M27, as well as improvements to the A3024, which should improve journeys for road users into Southampton. The plans will see an increased capacity at junction 8 of the M27 and Windhover roundabout, as well as upgrades to 25 junctions along the A3024.

With upgrades to two railway bridges and better facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, safety for all road users will be improved as part of the proposals.

Highways England has unveiled the proposals for a consultation running until the end of October. The investment comes as part of the Government’s £15Bn Roads Investment Strategy, announced in 2014, designed to provide people with better journeys, cutting congestion and improving the economy.

If plans are approved, construction could start as early as 2020 and is expected to take two years.

Highways England Project Manager Joe Clark said: “These are an ambitious set of improvements, and are the result of Highways England and local authorities working together to develop a joined up set of improvements that will deliver real benefits to drivers and people living and working in Southampton and Hampshire.

“This proposed scheme will not only improve safety and improve congestion, but also help to boost the economy and support the potential development of homes and jobs in the local area, as well as future growth at Southampton Port. We want people to get involved and I urge anyone interested in the scheme to come along to one of our exhibitions or send us their feedback by picking up a leaflet or visiting the project website.”

Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Environment and Transport, Councillor Rob Humby, said: “The County Council very much welcomes the proposed investment by Highways England to M27 Junction 8 and Windhover roundabout designed to improve the flow of traffic and address congestion and safety issues.

“This is a busy motorway junction which is in need of improvement and the project demonstrates what can be achieved by effective collaboration between the County Council, Highways England an Southampton City Council for the benefit of Hampshire residents. I would encourage people to take part in the consultation, so that local views can be heard in finalising the details of the scheme.”

Councillor Jacqui Rayment, Southampton City Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport said: “The M27 Southampton Junctions scheme will look to improve the route into the east of Southampton from the M27 via junction 8, Windhover Roundabout and the A3024 corridor, consisting of Northam Road, Bitterne Road West and Bursledon Road, through to the Six Dials junction in the city centre.

“This is a great opportunity to improve the wider transport infrastructure on the main routes in and out of Southampton for residents, commuters and visitors. The scheme will aim to reduce congestion, improve journey times and traffic flow, improve road safety, maximise opportunities for sustainable travel and support long-term sustainable economic growth.”

 

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