UP to 12 weeks of closures are due to begin this month on a major Southampton road.

From January 24, work will start on St Mary’s Road to improve cycling and pedestrian links.

Designed to make access better for those living and working in the area, the scheme will result in multiple closures throughout the 12 weeks.

During the first four week phase a full closure of the Charlotte Place link to St Mary’s Road will be put in, as well as temporary traffic lights.

A closure of St Mary’s Road will then take place north of the hospital entrance for three weeks.

The following two phases will see the Charlotte Place left turn into the road close for up to four weeks, with another set of overnight closures of St Mary’s Road due to be put in as well.

This comes after a survey was conducted in the are last March.

Improvements include new cycle lanes, dropped kerbs and cycle parking as well as traffic signal technology upgrades.

This marks the second stage of improvements and will link to earlier improvements completed in autumn 2020 along Bevois Valley.

The works also include upgrades to the crossing at St Mary’s Road/Oxford Avenue and Charlotte Place; footway improvements at Charlotte Place/St Mary’s Road; and reconstruction of the northern footway at the Brintons Terrace junction.

Deputy council leader and cabinet member for growth, Jeremy Moulton, said: “We remain focused on getting Southampton moving and improving road safety for everyone travelling across the city. This scheme will do just that, enhancing safety and access for people walking and cycling through this busy area.

“These works will also support local businesses and key workers, providing better access to Royal South Hants hospital and the many shops located here.”

Other changes include the relocation of loading and car club bays to Graham Road and the conversion of the loading bay opposite St Mary’s leisure centre to a shared taxi rank.

The northbound bus stop at Brintons Terrace will also be relocated with the southbound bus stop opposite set to be built out.

The work will be delivered by the council’s Highways Partners, Balfour Beatty.