Major project to transform the A3024 Eastern Corridor starts this month

Includes new tech to improve journey times, bus priority and a new cycle freeway

Southampton City Council’s highways partner, Balfour Beatty, is set to start work this month on a major two year project to improve journey times for all road users on the A3024 Eastern Corridor.

The project will deliver improvements in multiple phases on Bursledon Road between Botley Road and Bitterne Road East junctions.

The first work is set to begin off the highway at the junction with Orpen Road on Monday 25 February. This first phase will have no impact on traffic flow and will involve only pedestrian diversions.

The full details on the phasing of the works will be available on our website at transport.southampton.gov.uk soon. We will be keeping residents updated via social media and via our email update system throughout the period of the works. Residents in areas adjacent to works will receive letters in advance of works starting.

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What’s happening?

Junction and signal improvements

The project will include junction improvements, enhanced safety measures, and improvements to traffic signal technology. It will relax the restrictions of the 1970s Bitterne Gating System.

Bus priority technology

The existing bus lanes on the route will be replaced with virtual bus lane technology. This involves the upgrade of traffic signal technology which will enable buses to communicate with traffic signals and ask for additional green time. This will lead to more reliable bus journey times.

Creation of the SCN3 Cycle Free Way

The scheme will accelerate delivery of Southampton City Council’s Cycling Strategy and create SCN3 – a new cycle freeway on Bursledon Road linking Bitterne Road East to Botley Road. SCN3 will include a segregated cycle freeway away from traffic, priority over side road crossings and improved crossing points.

Increasing the number of people choosing to cycle can play a key role not just in reducing road congestion but in improving air quality and tackling inactivity and obesity. It is estimated that cycling provides over £5.5m of health economic benefits each year in Southampton. Visit the My Journey website to find out more about cycling in Southampton and to find events and support near you.

Funding

Southampton City Council successfully secured a £3.73m grant from the National Productivity Investment Fund via the Department for Transport to help fund this £5.2m project. The council is contributing the remaining £1.47m. The works will be carried out by the council’s highways partners Balfour Beatty Living Places.

Cllr Jacqui Rayment, Cabinet Member for Transport & Public Realm, said:

“We’re going through a time of significant change as we invest more than ever before in our transport system. Once complete these changes will improve the journey along Bursledon Road for all road users. We’ll be sending out regular updates to residents throughout these vital improvement works over the next two years. I would like to thank all road users for their patience as we work to secure a successful and sustainable long term future for Southampton.”