Local people will benefit from safer crossings, improved walking and cycling routes, and a resurfaced road as Southampton City Council begins a major programme of improvements on Winchester Road this autumn.
The project will create a safer, more accessible environment around the Outdoor Sports Centre, giving more people greater choice when it comes to healthy and sustainable ways to travel.
The improvements have been informed by feedback from local people, who said they wanted Winchester Road to be easier to cross and more comfortable to travel along.
The scheme will deliver:
Upgraded pedestrian crossing facilities at Thornhill Road and Butterfield Road
Improvements to existing cycle lanes and crossing facilities at Vermont Close
Enhanced dropped kerbs on surrounding side streets to improve accessibility for wheelchair users, people with pushchairs and those with mobility impairments
A new left-turn-only restriction for vehicles leaving Vermont Close to help improve traffic flow
Resurfacing of Winchester Road between Thornhill Road and Bassett Avenue to improve road safety and reduce road noise
The improvements support the council's goals for a safer, healthier and greener Southampton by creating streets that are safer, more accessible and more attractive for everyone, whether they are walking, wheeling, cycling, using public transport or driving.
Work is set to begin on Monday 19 October 2026 and is expected to last for nine weeks.
To allow the improvements to be carried out safely, the northbound lane of Winchester Road will be closed for seven weeks, with traffic travelling southbound only between Memorial Roundabout and Hollybrook Roundabout. Clearly signed diversion routes will be in place. During this period works will be taking place between 7.30am and 5pm on weekdays and from 7am to 1pm on Saturdays.
Additional resurfacing and road marking works will take place overnight between 8pm and 6am from Monday 7 to Friday 18 December 2026. Final coloured surfacing works will be completed in early 2027 once the new road surface has settled.
Councillor Jacqui Rayment, Cabinet Member for Transport at Southampton City Council, said:
We're committed to creating streets that are safe, welcoming and accessible for everyone. These improvements will make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle around this busy part of the city, while also improving safety and comfort for all road users.
By investing in better crossings, improved accessibility and a resurfaced road, we're giving people more options for their journeys while improving connections to local facilities including the Outdoor Sports Centre.
We appreciate that these works will cause disruption and I would like to thank people for their patience and understanding while they take place.
