Work to start on transport scheme on St Mary's Road on 24 January

The works will improve access to local shops, Royal South Hants hospital and Solent University

Southampton City Council is to commence work this month on improvements to cycle and pedestrian facilities, as well as traffic signals, on St Mary’s Road in the city centre. The scheme is designed to improve access for those living and working in the area; customers visiting local shops; and people travelling to Royal South Hants hospital and Solent University.

Works will start on 24 January and will be carried out by the council’s Highways Partners, Balfour Beatty Living Places, over a period of up to 12 weeks. It follows an initial perceptions survey with local residents and businesses in March 2021, as well as a formal consultation via a Traffic Regulation Order.

The scheme will deliver cycle route improvements along St Mary’s Road between Charlotte Place and Bellevue Terrace, as well as on Charlotte Place. These are set to include new cycle lanes both on-road and on footways, dropped kerbs and cycle parking. Upgrades to the traffic signal technology at the St Mary’s Road/Charlotte Place and St Mary’s Road/Onslow Road/Bellevue will allow cyclists to pass the junction ahead of vehicles, further creating a safer cycling environment.

These cycle improvements will create a new section of the SCN6 route, a key part of the developing Southampton Cycle Network (SCN). The works mark the second stage of improvements to be undertaken on the route and will link to the earlier facilities completed in autumn last year along Bevois Valley. The route also forms a connection to the nearby SCN5 corridor along The Avenue, which itself has recently been upgraded with new cycle facilities. Once complete, the finished SCN6 cycle route will run from the city centre to Portswood, Swaythling and Eastleigh.

The works also feature a number of pedestrian improvements, including upgrades to the crossing at St Mary’s Road/Oxford Avenue and Charlotte Place; footway improvements at Charlotte Place/St Mary’s Road; and reconstruction of the northern footway at the Brintons Terrace junction. A continuation of the footway outside Orion Point student accommodation will also prioritise pedestrians over vehicles accessing the site, while pedestrian detection at crossing points will reduce unnecessary delays.

Other changes include the relocation of loading and car club bays to Graham Road and the conversion of the loading bay opposite St Mary’s leisure centre to a shared taxi rank for use at night, with loading use during the day. Bus stops along the road will also see some changes, including the relocation of the northbound bus stop at Brintons Terrace. In addition, the southbound bus stop opposite will be built out, helping to improve access for buses travelling along the road and passengers using these services.

Councillor Moulton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Growth, says:
“We remain focused on getting Southampton moving and improving road safety for everyone travelling across the city. This scheme will do just that, enhancing safety and access for people walking and cycling through this busy area. These works will also support local businesses and key workers, providing better access to Royal South Hants hospital and the many shops located here.”

For full details of the phases of works, visit the council's transport website.

Ongoing upgrades are also available from @SCChighways on Twitter.