Construction for a scheme that aims to improve journey times along the ‘St Denys Transport Corridor’ kicks off from April 3 – and, if you haven’t seen the signs, will see a section of the often clogged up St Denys Road become one-way (westbound) for ten weeks while it’s implemented.
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The council says the works, on which it consulted in early 2022, are: “To improve travel for buses, cyclists, and pedestrians on the junction of St Denys Road and Belmont Road”.
Diversions were in place around the same section of road for a number of weeks last August during Thomas Lewis Way junction changes.
Now the new measures are set to be put in place between Portswood and Thomas Lewis Way, including the removal of the traffic signals at the junction of Belmont Road and St Denys Road. They’ll be replaced with “a parallel crossing and continuous footways”, which it’s thought will mean “journey times will improve along the corridor”.
The westbound bus stop will also be moved closer towards Portswood, and a segregated cycle lane (up the hill – there’s apparently not room for one going the other way too on this section) will also be put in between Thomas Lewis Way and Portswood.
Says the council’s transport website: “There will be separate signed diversions for pedestrians, cyclists, and traffic whilst this restriction is in place, as well as temporary push-button crossings for pedestrians. The restrictions will be in place for the entire extent of the works, and access to Belmont Road will be for residents only and will not be possible from St Denys Road.”
This council page gives further information and a map showing details of the works.
This work is separate from the St Denys/Priory Road scheme, which – as reported – could see protected cycle lanes, upgraded bus stops and the removal of some parking spaces, and which will be funded by the government's Transforming Cities Fund. The government says the fund aims to “improve productivity by investing in public and sustainable transport infrastructure in English cities”.
Construction times for this scheme will depend on the outcome of feedback to the traffic orders - out for consultation until March 24.
Previously
St Denys Road: Upgrades planned to improve journey times