Works to improve pedestrian and cyclist access along The Avenue starting 21 June

The scheme will improve safety for people travelling on foot and by bike

Southampton City Council is to deliver a range of improvements that will enhance access for people walking and cycling along The Avenue between Westwood Road and Highfield Road. The works will commence on Monday 21 June and will see the creation of various new crossing facilities to provide a safer walking and cycling environment, support active travel and improve access to The Common. It follows an extensive period of both formal and informal consultation in early 2020, which found strong support for the upcoming changes.

Measures are to include a new toucan crossing across The Avenue just north of Winn Road, formalising what is currently already a popular crossing point and improving access from the southern end of Lovers Walk to The Common close to the play park and The Cowherds. The new crossing will utilise smart technology to minimise the impact on traffic flows along The Avenue, while creating a safer environment for people crossing the road on foot and by bike. Anti-skid surfacing will be applied to both sides of the crossing later this year in the autumn.

New continuous footways across Winn Road, Westwood Road and the entrances to The Cowherds will prioritise people walking and cycling and are consistent with the existing measures at other side roads further south along The Avenue and Inner Avenue. Maintenance will also be carried out on the footpath between Winn Road and Westwood Road, a well-used route that currently becomes muddy during the winter months.

Other changes are to include a new tactile dropped crossing across Highfield Road at the junction with The Avenue, as well as tree management works, drainage works and upgrades to street lighting between Highfield Avenue and Winn Road.

Councillor Jeremy Moulton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Growth, said:

“Making sure that everyone can travel safely and easily around the city is a vital part of our wider plans to get Southampton moving. Data for the most recent five-year period available shows there have been 13 injury accidents between Northlands Road and The Cowherds. These much-needed interventions will help to address these issues, enabling people to walk and cycle safely along this busy route and improving access to one of our city’s most popular green spaces at The Common.”

The council is continuing to review the temporary cycle lanes installed last year along The Avenue between Winchester Road and Winn Road and expects to make a decision regarding cycle provision in this area over the summer.

The pedestrian and cyclist improvement works will be carried out by the council’s Highways Partners, Balfour Beatty Living Places, and will be delivered over ten weeks in four phases starting on 21 June. For full details, please visit: transport.southampton.gov.uk/TheAvenue.