PLANS to build new cycle paths and footways along a major Hampshire road have been given the green light after residents feared the road could become a “death trap”.

A new signalised crossing is to be created at Applemore Roundabout on the A326 in the New Forest.

Additional cycleway and footpaths will also be relocated from the north to the south of the junction.

It comes as earlier this month the Waterside Cycling Action Group (WCAG)  called for a new signal-controlled facility at the site as they feared it could become a “death trap”.

The new improvement will be part of a series of measures approved by Hampshire County Council as part of the first phase of a £970,000 project.

Work is expected to be completed by 2022 and will also see a new crossing at Holbury Roundabout where the existing shared used path will be improved.

Signage for crossings across the A326 in between junctions will be improved.

Further measures to support pedestrians and cyclists are also set to be taken.

It comes as a number of junctions along the A326 between Dibden and Fawley Waterside and on the B3053 will be upgraded as the site of the old Fawley power station is set to be transformed with 1,500 new homes.

John Lawrence, from the Waterside Cycling Action Group,

said: “Applemore was our number one priority and I am delighted to hear that news. It is going to be a much safer section. We still think there are a number of improvement that need to be done.”

Further details of future improvements are yet to be finalised as a public consultation on the county council’s  Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans for the Waterside and the New Forest is set to be held in spring 2021.

Cllr Rob Humby,inset, cabinet member for transport at the county council, said: “The options at the Applemore junction are being reviewed to provide facilities for active travel, and capacity to support the economy and the local environment. These options have been carefully looked at as part of the wider Waterside strategy, which is currently under review.”

Talking about the plans approved he added:”These new measures include dedicated facilities to improve cycling and pedestrian access to the New Forest from the Waterside area. This new infrastructure will help encourage healthy lifestyles by making it easier for local people to walk and cycle across the A326, to enjoy all the recreational opportunities the New Forest has to offer.”