Hampshire County Council has appointed Mildren Construction Ltd., to undertake the scheme, valued at £1.72 million, which will increase road capacity and reduce traffic congestion at busy times. This, in turn, will enable more dependable travel times, including those for bus services to Hayling Island, Emsworth, Chichester and Portsmouth. The completed scheme will also include a new bus shelter.
Additionally, the pavement will be widened to make it safer and more pleasant for pedestrians travelling to Bosmere Junior School, including those using the Park and Stride scheme.
Councillor Nick Adams-King, the County Council’s Executive Lead Member for Universal Services, said: “Park Road South approaching the A27 roundabout experiences morning and afternoon peak congestion with queues regularly stretching back into the town centre - the finished scheme will significantly alleviate the rush hour issues.
“Once the scheme is complete, it will be easier for people to use public transport, cycle or walk for local journeys. This has advantages in reducing the volume of traffic on local roads thereby contributing to lower carbon emissions and encouraging people to walk and cycle more – both of which have health benefits.
He added “Delivering a scheme of this scale will have significant benefits to the local community but will involve some short term disruption - I would like to thank everyone in advance for their patience and understanding whilst these improvement works are underway.”
Scheme construction works
Preliminary works are underway with the main construction work starting on Friday 29 September 2023. The scheme is expected to be completed in early 2024.
For the duration of the works, a southbound lane closure is necessary.
Full overnight closures of the southbound carriageway to undertake resurfacing, lining and traffic signal works will also be required; this is expected to last for three to four nights towards the latter end of the construction programme.
Pedestrians will be diverted via South Street and The Parchment until the scheme has completed.
Regular updates and information will be published on the scheme web pages to ensure local residents and passengers are kept up to date with the scheme progress.
Access to Bosmere Junior School
The County Council has been working closely with Bosmere Junior School as access to the school via Park Road South (opposite Tesco) will be closed during the works.
The pedestrian crossing on Park Road South (Solent Road junction) will continue to operate normally, enabling parents to continue to use the Park and Stride scheme from Tesco Car Park.
Parents are requested to use either Tesco or Bulbeck Road Car Parks for the Park and Stride scheme and follow the footway diversion to The Parchment and onto South Street to walk to the school.
Temporary pedestrian crossing signals have been installed on South Street in the vicinity of The Parchment to assist parents and pupils in crossing South Street safely.
Further information about the scheme together with any updates about the planned timescales or traffic management arrangements are available at the County Council’s web pages at: https://www.hants.gov.uk/tcfparkroadsouthimprovements
The Park Road South improvement scheme is funded by the national Transforming Cities Fund. Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth City Council and the Isle of Wight Council jointly secured nearly £56 million from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund to support 23 schemes that will improve the way people travel around South-East Hampshire and the Isle of Wight - either on foot, by bicycle or bus.
In South-East Hampshire, nine schemes totalling £22.316 million will be delivered by Hampshire County Council.
For more information visit: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/transportschemes/tcfportsmouth
