London Road improvements set to begin

22 May 2006:

On 30 May, Southampton City Council will begin work on phase 1 of the London Road Improvement Scheme. This will implement the northern section of the scheme from the Law Courts to the Belle Vue Road / Carlton Crescent junction which is due to be completed in early November. A further phase, to complete the scheme along London Road, is programmed for 2007.

A new, simple and uncluttered design will create a high quality, modern, safe, pedestrian focused and more stylish environment, in line with more contemporary thinking in the UK and Europe.

The improvements being made are part of a long term vision to connect the city from London Road, through the high street, to the waterfront creating a pedestrian friendly, cosmopolitan style boulevard to the heart of Southampton.

These works follow on from the new pedestrian crossings that were installed across Brunswick Place last autumn, to improve access between London Road and the city centre.

An integral part of the scheme is the need to reduce through traffic, to improve road safety and bus reliability.

As of 6 March, motorists were no longer able to turn right from London Road onto the ring road at Cumberland Place. This is as an experimental move to assess the impact of the ‘no right turn’ before a decision is made to make it permanent.

All traffic coming from the Avenue joining the ring road should use the dual carriageway to the Charlotte Place roundabout.

Lorraine Brown, Director of Environment at Southampton City Council commented “The scheme is vital to increase road safety along London Road for pedestrians and cyclists; it will make London Road more pedestrian focused, encouraging visitors and residents to visit local shops and businesses.”

The council will endeavour to minimise the disruption while work is in progress although some temporary traffic restrictions will be necessary to allow the scheme to be constructed safely.

This is all part of a £41 million street scene project to improve Southampton’s street scene, creating a smarter, safer, cleaner city.

For more information on the scheme:

Web: [www.southampton.gov.uk/transport]