Botley Bypass - drivers reminded to allow more time for journeys ahead of road closures over May half-term

To connect the new roundabout to the existing road network, the road levels need to be raised by up to one metre. This means temporary closures on both the A334 and A3051 are needed to ensure the works can be carried out safely.  

A signed diversion using a route suitable for all vehicles, including HGVs and vans, will be in place throughout. Businesses in Botley will remain open and accessible during this period. 

Key information: 
 
1. A334 (Sherecroft Way to Hillsons Road) 
Closed from 9pm Friday 22 May – 6am Bank Holiday Monday 25 May 
 
2. A3051 (YMCA Fairthorne Manor to its junction with A334) 
Closed from 9pm Friday 22 May – 6am Monday 1 June  
 
From 6am Monday 25 May: the A334 will reopen with 24/7 two-way temporary traffic lights between Sherecroft Way and Hillsons Road until 6am Monday 1 June. Temporary traffic lights will be manually operated 7am–7pm to help manage queues. 
 
From 6am on Monday 1 June a new temporary layout will be in place, allowing traffic flow in all directions.  

A spokesperson for Hampshire County Council, said: “These road closures are necessary to deliver a key stage of construction for the new Botley Bypass, which will safely connect the new route with the existing road network. 

“We recognise that upcoming road closures can be inconvenient and are grateful for people’s patience and cooperation over the coming weeks. Drivers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys, as diversion routes will be in place which may increase travel times especially at peak times. Businesses in Botley remain open as usual during this period, and in the longer term the bypass will help ease congestion and improve journeys in and around Botley.”  

During the works, clear signage will be in place, with closures and restrictions on smaller local roads to prevent traffic diverting onto unsuitable routes. To help with this, temporary closures and movement restrictions will be operating from 9pm Friday 22 May - 6am Monday 1 June (with local access maintained at all times): 
 
• Wangfield Lane / Maddoxford Lane – a temporary road closure will be in place to prevent through traffic 
• Reading Room Lane – northbound – no access from A334 
• Chapel Lane – northbound – no access from A334 
• Lockhams Road – northbound – no access from A334 
 
The County Council website will be unavailable from 5pm on Friday 22 May until 11pm on Monday 25 May to allow for essential maintenance to IT systems. Over this period, information about the road closures, including diversion maps, will be available here: https://mgroupltd.com/road-closures/.