The Hampshire County Council is set to approve a series of significant improvements to key roads in the area, particularly Fair Oak Road, Mortimers Lane, and Eastleigh Road.
These proposed changes come after local residents expressed concerns about safety issues, such as speeding lorries and road vibrations, which have been affecting their daily lives.
If approved, these changes will improve safety for both pedestrians and cyclists and help reduce traffic-related disturbances.
Concerns Raised by Residents
During a full council meeting in February, residents of Mortimers Lane shared their concerns about the rising traffic volume. Over the past seven years, the road has become increasingly busy, leading to vibrations from high-speed cars and lorries shaking their homes.
The residents emphasized the need for measures to control the flow of lorries and reduce speed limits to improve safety for everyone in the area.
Planned Improvements and Focus Areas
As a response to these concerns, Hampshire County Council has planned a series of road improvements, focusing mainly on enhancing walking and cycling options along Mortimers Lane, Fair Oak Road, and Eastleigh Road.
The council has taken into account the safety issues raised by the local community, with an emphasis on controlling traffic speeds and introducing necessary restrictions.
The £3.4 million project will see several upgrades aimed at improving the safety and accessibility of these roads.
Among the planned changes, there will be a shared-use path along the southern footway of Mortimer’s Lane, stretching from Knowle Lane to the junction of Fair Oak Court.
Further improvements will include better side-road crossings at several junctions along Mortimers Lane, including Bradshaw Close, Scotland Close, Michaels Way, Rustan Close, Willow Grove, and Mortimers Drive.
These enhancements will make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the road and move around more freely.
Additional Features of the Project
The proposal also includes the creation of new bus stops on Mortimers Lane, along with improved signage to reinforce existing speed limits. Additionally, the plan includes upgrading an existing pedestrian crossing to a Toucan crossing, which accommodates both pedestrians and cyclists.
The project will also involve upgrades to the footways and the signal technology along the B3354, particularly around St. Thomas’ Church.
Timeline and Expected Start Date
The county council has indicated that the improvements could be given the green light next week, on June 23. If approved, the work is expected to begin in September 2025, with an anticipated completion date in Spring 2027.
These proposed improvements are a vital step in addressing the safety concerns of local residents, improving road conditions, and making it safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
With a significant budget allocated for the upgrades, these changes could have a positive impact on the community, making the roads more accessible and safer for everyone.
If the plans go ahead as expected, the people of Mortimers Lane and surrounding areas will see a much-needed transformation of their local infrastructure.
