Four weeks of roadworks have started on a busy road in Southampton to install a new crossing.

Portsmouth Road is one of 27 sites in the UK that has been independently surveyed and identified by the Road Safety Foundation on behalf of the Department for Transport for safety improvements road users.

The scheme - with work commencing on Monday, May 20 - will deliver a new zebra crossing nearby to the junction with Spring Road, helping people access Miller’s Pond, Mayfield Park, and the Shoreburs Greenway.

An additional zebra crossing nearby to the junction with Botley Road will be implemented to allow young people to access Oasis Academy Mayfield and the neighbouring play area.

Temporary traffic lights and pedestrian crossings will be in place for the duration of the works.

READ MORE: Why were police on Portsmouth Road near the Itchen Bridge?

Staff will be working on the site between 7am and 5pm each weekday, with five overnight shifts taking place from June 10. These will run from 8pm to 6am.

In a statement, Cllr Eamonn Keogh, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: “These new pedestrian crossings will help people walking, wheeling and cycling to safely cross a significant route into the city centre in key locations, reducing the risk of accidents and making it easier to access essential community facilities.

“This includes schools, doctors’ surgeries, play areas and the Green Flag award winning Mayfield Park and Green Flag nominated Miller’s Pond Local Nature Reserve.”