A Hedge End resident says he hasn’t seen the traffic situation as bad in 30 years as ‘frustrating’ road works are placed across the Southampton town.

Resident of 31 years, Roger Wilson, 77, said that he was confused and frustrated when a major diversion route, put in place due to the eastbound closure of Charles Watts Way, was blocked by more roadworks.

The 77-year-old said: “After the closure of Charles Watts Way, many go through St John's Road in Hedge End as a suitable diversion route.

“I was shocked when I saw that the busy diversion route had then been subject to more road works – with temporary traffic lights in place. It just feels as if no common sense has been applied.”

The A334 Charles Watts Way has been closed since November 2023 for Hampshire County Council to carry out repair works on the side of the road after a landslide - with the closure extended by three months.

Drivers were then diverted through St John's Road which, since March 20, has been subject to temporary traffic lights while SGN complete maintenance works – adding to the congestion.

Roger continued: “The amount of traffic coming through Hedge End, particularly near the retail park, is absolutely incredible.

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“With the added traffic from new developments such as the Boorley Green housing estates the roads just can’t cope with the number of vehicles.

“Not only that but new developments are being proposed across the area, the Utilita Bowl development just being thrown out – although I think it is just a matter of time before that gets the go-ahead.”

In January, plans for a major development including more than 170 homes at the Utilita Bowl were thrown out by Eastleigh Borough Council due to the number of resident objections and the lack of affordable homes.

The pensioner has suggested that Southampton has an independent road work monitoring officer – to stop diversion routes being clogged up by further road works.

He added: “We need a single person to manage the road works in Hedge End and Southampton to stop diversion routes being clogged by more road works.

“A little forethought could save drivers hours that they are currently spending battling traffic.”