Marchwood Bypass Bus Priority Improvements

Transforming Cities Fund

Last update: May 2024

Construction Overview & FAQs

Please view the traffic management table providing information on the construction works, location and dates. (The programme may be subject to change).
Please view the progress photos for this scheme. (Microsoft Sway document)

 

The main works will commence in October 2023, with a completion estimated for Summer 2024.

Knights Brown Construction Ltd has been appointed to carry out the main works for the bus priority improvements at Marchwood Bypass and on the approach to Rushington Roundabout. The schemes will also provide new bus stops/shelters, in addition to improved facilities for pedestrians and cyclists travelling in the area. Please view the scheme presentation..

The work will be undertaken in phases with Phase 1 completing in January 2024. Phase 2 information below:

Construction Phase 2: January 2024 - June 2024

The second phase of construction will consist of:

  • A new bus lane on Marchwood Bypass approach to Rushington Roundabout and associated vegetation clearance;
  • Improved crossing point on Marchwood Bypass close to Rushington Roundabout and associated signal works;
  • Relocation and widening of existing shared use facilities between Parkside and Arnold Clark;
  • Road surfacing treatment between Rushington Roundabout and Jacobs Gutter Lane;
  • New bus gate on A326 and associated signals;
  • New crossing point between Bull Copse Road and Marchwood Bypass connecting to two new bus stops on Marchwood Bypass;
  • Widening existing pavement on Bull Copse Road.

Works will take place Monday to Friday, permitted working hours between 9:30am to 4pm for the duration of the scheme. Access to local businesses will be maintained throughout the works.

Completed Phase 1: October 2023 - January 2024

The first phase of construction will begin with works on Marchwood Bypass close to Rushington Roundabout. These works will focus on:

  • Upgrading the existing crossing point at Rushington Roundabout into a shared use crossing point;
  • Widening of the existing shared use pedestrian and cycleways;
  • Construction of a new 300m bus lane on Marchwood Bypass at the approach to Rushington Roundabout.

The Eling to Holbury Cycle Route improvement works commenced on Monday 9 October in Marchwood, please view the web page for traffic management information.

Please read Frequently Asked Questions.
Scheme overview

The aim of this scheme is to provide a bus only right turn lane from the A326 onto Marchwood Bypass, joining with Rushington Roundabout, which is also to receive bus priority to reduce journey time for buses travelling between Southampton and The Waterside.

This scheme comprises modifications to the existing A326 to allow for Southampton bound buses to turn from the A326 onto the A326 to Rushington roundabout together with a new bus stop for passengers to alight in the vicinity of the Hounsdown Business Park. The aim of the improved priorities is to reduce journey times and improve reliability of the journey duration, arrival and departure times. The scheme has been identified as being on a key route between Southampton and local communities which travel to and from Southampton, the aim is to offer better connectivity of public transport than is currently available and a choice of travel mode that will also encourage commuters to change mode from cars to buses. 

Watch our video for TCF Waterside Transport Schemes.

In March 2020, Hampshire County Council welcomed news of the successful outcome of a funding bids to the Department for Transport (DfT). Made jointly with Southampton City Council, Hampshire County Council made a bid for investment designed to improve walking, cycling and public transport within the Southampton City Region. The Department for Transport awarded £57 million to the Southampton City Region from the Transforming Cities Fund (TCF). This funding is for capital investment in infrastructure to support and encourage active and sustainable travel from the outlying residential areas to key economic areas nearer the City Centre. The majority of the investment is on corridors from Eastleigh, Bursledon and The Waterside/Totton in addition to transport and mobility hubs in Eastleigh and at Southampton Parkway.

Approval to progress with implementation of the scheme was given at the Executive Member for Environment and Transport Decision Day 27 January 2022.

This scheme forms part of The Waterside Corridor Bus Priority Improvements proposals;

Rushington Roundabout Bus Priority Improvements:
This scheme comprises improvements to the highway that will offer priority to buses approaching Rushington Roundabout via a new dedicated northbound bus lane. The scheme will also deliver improved infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists in the area.

Junction Road, Totton Bus Priority Improvements:
The aim of this scheme is to provide a bus and cycle only link between Junction Road and A326 Commercial Road in Totton. The scheme will also improve existing bus stops on Commercial Road to enhance facilities for waiting passengers and provide an improved crossing on Commercial Road (A326) for pedestrians and cyclists.

Vegetation Clearance Works Completed

Hampshire County Council has appointed Milestones Infrastructure Ltd have completed the vegetation clearance which comprised of cutting stumps down lower and the removal of debris cuttings.

Initial vegetation clearance in areas that are predominantly scrub, shrubs, and a limited number of self-seeded trees, along with crown lifting in an isolated location have been completed. To mitigate loss, approximately 30 new trees will be planted in the local area. The works were supervised by an Ecological Clerk of Works. An arboriculture review has been undertaken on each location.  The works were carried out before the bird nesting season.

Highway Investigation Works Completed

In October 2022, Hampshire County Council appointed Brunel Surveys Ltd who have completed advance highway investigation works on the A326 Marchwood Bypass and A326 Marchwood Bypass branch road towards Rushington Roundabout, ahead of the main works. The investigation works comprised of topographical and CCTV drainage surveys.  These works formed part of the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund programme and help inform designs for the proposals which aim to improve public transport infrastructure.

Please view the plans

Marchwood Bypass Location Plan

Preliminary Design Drawings

Feedback Survey Results

This report summarises key findings from the feedback survey which took place from 6 October  2021 to 3 November 2021. This was an opportunity for local residents and businesses to provide their views on the proposed improvement scheme. The information pack is still available to view.

Roadworks and Travel Advice
Visit One.Network which is where the planned works are published and is an independent platform that allows real-time monitoring of all the UK’s roadworks and diversions.

My Journey - travel information and travel advice choices in Hampshire.
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Universal Services
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