Drivers warned of months of roadworks in Hedge End

A partial closure of Woodhouse Lane in Botley is set to last until 2027 as part of the Botley Bypass project.

The lane will be shut to northbound traffic between Maypole Roundabout and Pavilion Road, starting Monday, June 22 and lasting until early spring of 2027.

This is to allow for widening the carriageway, complete the new footway and cycleway, and install drainage and utility connections.

The section of the road will operate as a one-way route, and motorists will not be able to access Woodhouse Lane from the Maypole Roundabout.

A diversion route suitable for all vehicles, including heavy goods vehicles, will be signposted.

The work is a significant component of the new bypass plan for Botley, and is expected to continue until early spring 2027.

A spokesperson for Hampshire County Council said: "All businesses remain open as usual throughout construction of Botley Bypass."

Residents responded to the announcement on Facebook, as one commenter said: "The amount of time to do this is ridiculous.

"Why wasn’t it done as part of the changes to the northern end?"

Another resident added: "Summer 2027! That’s a very long time to wait.

"While I appreciate the planned improvements, I don’t understand why there still seems to be no mention of a safe pedestrian crossing at Maypole Roundabout, particularly for children.

"With so many schools in the area, a safe crossing point feels like an essential part of the infrastructure."

They added: "Given the number of families and schoolchildren who need to use this route, plus access to the Asda garage, you would have thought that would have been considered at some point."

Another commenter said: "Imagine sitting down in a board meeting and presenting a programme that shows widening about 200 metres of road with the associated drainage and utilities works is going to take 9 months.

"Honestly, if I did that I'd get sacked."