SIX months of roadworks are set to start at a busy Southampton junction as it is transformed as part of a £2.5m scheme.

Improvement work at Frogmore junction in Redbridge will begin on October 18 for up to 28 weeks, it has been confirmed.

It comes as the staggered junction between Frogmore Lane and Brownhill Way will be converted into a cross-road with a single-phase of traffic lights instead of two.

Preparatory work to upgrade the footpath between Colne Avenue and Brownhill Way and to install a temporary crossing on Brownhill Way will instead start on September 27 and is expected to last for three weeks.

The news follows residents’ concerns over traffic in the area.

Daily Echo: This is what Frogmore junction would look like. Photo credit: BBLP

Southampton City Council said the overall programme will last around six months “with an aim of completing in March 2022”.

Residents have been advised to plan their journeys to avoid disruption.

It comes as during the work single lane closures will be put in place on Lower Brownhill Road.

There will also be single lane closures on the east and west bound carriageways of Brownhill Way as the works move from one side to the other.

As part of the £2.5m scheme traffic lights at the site will be upgraded to a system which will respond to changing traffic conditions in a bid to ensure better traffic flow.

Pedestrian crossings and lighting will also be improved and new trees will be planted.

The news comes as city bosses previously said that Brownhill Way is “close to capacity” and a simplified junction will improve the flow of traffic.

The council said the improvements will lead to “a considerable journey time saving” for buses accessing the new junction to and from the Lordshill Centre and the hospital.

Cllr Jeremy Moulton, cabinet member for growth, said: “The scheme at Frogmore Lane will provide a benefit to everyone that uses the area – with new safety measures such as pedestrian crossings, enhanced cycle facilities and general public realm improvements we will deliver on our promise to Get Southampton Moving. Once completed, road users will notice the improved journey times through the area.”

Work to upgrade the footpath will begin on Monday (Sept 27) and is expected to last for three weeks.

It will be completed in stages from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

The proposals to improve the junction were first unveiled in 2019 as city bosses approved the plans for a new Lidl on land off Brownhill Way.

The scheme will be funded with part of the £57m Transforming Cities Fund granted to Southampton City Council and Hampshire County Council in 2019.

Cllr Sarah Bogle, shadow spokesperson for transport, said: “I welcome this, is part of the Transforming Cities programme that Labour secured, and links to the plans for park and ride for hospital staff at Adanac Park.”