Traffic flows from Southampton Road (A27) where the new toucan crossing will be developed
Motorists using the A27 through Park Gate are facing months of misery as a combination of major road schemes come all at once – prompting one county councillor to predict it will be “a pain in the butt”.
Traffic lights on roadworks at the Park Gate end of Hunts Pond Road have been causing lengthy tailbacks at peak times, and with a six month series of works on the M27 at junction nine just getting underway drivers were already starting to get hot under the collar.
Now the date has been announced for the start of works to install a Toucan pedestrian crossing on the A27 between the Hunts Pond Road roundabout and the small roundabout at Telford Way.
Work on the the £360,000 crossing is due to begin on April 15 and is unlikely to be completed before August. During these works diversions will be in place and the extra lane on the westbound carriageway closed.
Hampshire County Councillor Geoff Hockley, who represents the Fareham Titchfield ward, said there would be inevitable problems on the roads in the area as a result of these works.
“The best thing motorists can do is prepare that it is going to happen,” he said. “The phrase is I guess that it will be a pain in the butt.”
The crossing for pedestrians and cyclists, along with ancillary works to create more cycle routes and walkways along Botley Road to Swanwick Railway Station, is designed to improve access for people travelling between residential areas on one side of the A27 and Park Gate Primary School.
Residents objected to the proposals fearing it would cause accidents for those crossing the road and then having to cross Hunts Pond Road, which is a notoriously busy road.
Cllr Hockley confirmed Hampshire County Council’s highways department knew the Toucan crossing and roadworks in Hunts Pond Road would clash with the M27 works, but decided to go ahead anyway.
He added: “I fought the Toucan crossing for two years. It seemed to be a lot of nonsense for no good reason.
“There have not been any accidents on that road. It seems people have been crossing it satisfactorily. But just because there hasn’t been any, doesn’t mean there would not be. We cannot take that risk.
“It was initially programmed for about a year ago but because of problems that emerged it was delayed.
“There is a need to do it within the current budget so the works needed to be done soon.”
Councillor Mel Kendal, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Environment and Transport, said: “We are fully aware of the Highways Agency work to Junction 9 of the M27 and have liaised with them on their local traffic management plans.
“As with every scheme we undertake we work closely with other agencies and our partners locally and make every effort to avoid causing traffic disruption or, at least, to keep it to a minimum.
“While there may be some limited disruption at peak times of travel we do not expect this to be significant for the duration of the works. In terms of the crossing installation scheme that we are carrying out in Park Gate, there will be some lane closures – two of which will be for just one week each – and there will be a signed diversion route put in place.
“Beforehand, signs, warning of the lane closures and advising the dates of the closure, will be in place well in advance so that road users will be aware and can allow extra time for their journeys or take an alternative route while a lane closure is in operation.”
When works take place in Botley Road, eastbound or westbound traffic will be diverted via Bridge Road and Station Road – or vice versa depending on which side of Botley Road the works are taking place.
These diversions are likely to be in place for a week each and advance warning signs will be in place prior to the diversions being implemented.
Vegetation clearance has been carried out this month ahead of the main works and new 30 and 50 speed limit signs are due to be installed during the week beginning April 8