This is essential to enable critical phases of the scheme to take place safely including the installation of drainage and earthworks to link the existing road layout to the new sections of the bypass.
Two sets of traffic management will be needed on weekdays impacting the A3051 and A334. Restrictions will be lifted over the Easter Bank holiday weekend and on weekends. Key information is as follows:
• A3051, Botley to Park Gate - two-way traffic lights will be in operation on weekdays from Monday 30 March until Friday 24 April. The lights will be used during daytime from 9.30am until 4pm. Traffic management will be removed over the Easter Bank holiday weekend at 5pm, Thursday 2 April, and restart at 09.30am, Tuesday 7 April.
• A334 between Botley and Wickham at the junction of the A3051 – two-way traffic lights will be in operation overnight on weekdays from 8pm to 6am from Monday 30 March until Saturday 25 April. Traffic management will be removed over the Easter Bank holiday weekend at 6am, Thursday 2 April and restart at 8pm on Tuesday 7 April.
• Pedestrian and cycle access will remain throughout on signed routes.
The updated traffic management approach supersedes earlier proposals for full road closures during the Easter school holidays. Closures are instead planned to take place from late May to early June, aligning with the summer half term school holiday. This will allow construction of the new roundabout at the A3051/A334 junction, including raising the existing road levels by approximately one metre. Signed diversions will be in place to accommodate all vehicles. Further details will be shared in advance once plans are finalised. This adjusted programme of traffic management does not affect the overall delivery timeline of the scheme.
Councillor Lulu Bowerman, Hampshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “Much of the construction for the Botley Bypass has been carried out without the need to significantly disturb traffic or close roads, helping to limit the impact on local journeys so far. As we move into the next phase of this major project, we now need to connect the new route with the existing road network, which will require some unavoidable traffic management. Our teams are working hard to minimise disruption as much as possible, and we apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause. We will be providing advance notice of any changes so local residents, businesses and other road users can plan ahead and allow more time for travel.
“Once complete, the new bypass - due to open late summer next year - will provide much needed extra road capacity, easing journeys to and from Southampton and the M27. It will also bring significant benefits to communities in and around Botley by reducing congestion, noise and pollution that have affected the village for many years.”
Hampshire County Council approved the Bypass in January 2025. For more information and updates visit the scheme’s webpages.