A MAJOR project to improve walking and cycling through Bevois Valley has been launched by Southampton City Council.

City residents should expect 12 weeks of roadworks as part of the council’s £57m ‘Transforming Cities’ programme.

The works will upgrade the existing pathways and improve crossings between Rockstone Lane and Lodge Road.

This comes after a number of temporarily bus and cycle lanes are being trialled across the city.

The improvements are part of the council’s plan to transform travel in Southampton and will include widened shared footpaths, upgraded signage and resurfacing and new toucan crossings.

What you need to know:

  • Work will start in the Onslow Road/Bevois Valley area from 27 July

Scheduled for 12 weeks

  • Work will be carried out on weekdays between 7am-6pm

During the build period, Onslow Road will become one-way southbound

  • All outbound bus stops will be suspended while the one-way southbound restriction is in place
  • The works site will be located in the dead-end section of Ancasta Road - parking here will be suspended for the duration of the works

Councillor Steve Legget, Cabinet Member for Green City and Place said: “This is a bold and ambitious approach to change how people travel in and around Southampton.

“We want to encourage more active and sustainable means of transport to improve air quality and reduce congestion.”

Once complete, the full Southampton Cycle Network will provide a series of connected and consistent routes enabling people to travel by bike in and around the city safely and with ease.

Words by Gemma Wardle