WHEELS are in motion to improve access into Southampton from the east.

Work is set to start at the junction of the A334 Thornhill Park Road and Hinkler Road.

The junction is expected to be closed for eight weeks from October 19 so that “work can be carried out as efficiently as possible”.

The £360,000 council scheme is being funded by Highways England to improve traffic flows and provide better information to people driving into Southampton from Junction 7 of the M27.

The upcoming work on the A334 comes after Highways England upgraded the traffic signals at Junction 7 earlier this year and will complement other improvements being delivered as part of the ongoing M27 SMART Motorway project.

The scheme will see the current traffic signal technology updated to a more “dynamic, reactive system that responds to changing conditions”.

This will reportedly reduce queues and delays for people driving at peak hours between the A334 and Junction 7, as well as on the A27 around Kane’s Hill Roundabout.

As well as upgrades to the traffic signs, the junction will get new crossing facilities to aid people walking and cycling. These will better connect Kootenay Avenue with Hinkler Road, improving access to nearby Kane’s Hill Primary School and Woodlands College.

Councillor Steve Leggett, Cabinet Member for Green City and Place, says:

“Our long-term transport strategy, Connected Southampton 2040, sets out our bold plans to improve journey times and reduce congestion for those entering the city from the east. We’ve already made an excellent start on this, having delivered a comprehensive package of transformative measures on the A3024 Bursledon Road. The upcoming works on the A334 will contribute even further to this, delivering better and more innovative traffic signal technology to improve traffic flows and support more reliable bus travel on this important route with connections to Hedge End and Botley.”

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