Disruption and noise warnings at bypass site

The Botley bypass is due to be completed by late summer 2027

Motorists and residents are being warned of overnight disruption and higher noise levels as work continues on a major bypass road project.

Hampshire County Council confirmed that three-way traffic lights would be in use at the A334/A3051 junction at Botley between 20:00 and 06:00 BST each day until Thursday.

Acoustic barriers are being put in place to help reduce noise levels from a vacuum excavator being used.

Work on the final phase of the bypass scheme, which is designed to reduce congestion, noise and air pollution in the village, is due to be completed by late summer 2027.

Hampshire County Council said the vacuum extractor would need to be positioned on the carriageway so traffic lights were needed for safety reasons.

Works are also scheduled to take place on Winchester Street to install underground protective tubes for electricity cables for five days from Monday 27 October.

During this period, temporary three-way traffic lights will be in operation at Winchester Street and Holmesland Lane.

Planning permission was first granted for the Botley bypass in 2017.

As part of the project, a new road is being constructed from Winchester Street, heading eastwards, crossing the River Hamble to a new roundabout at the A334/A3051 junction.

There will also be new and improved footways and cycleways.

In July 2024 the council allocated an extra £16m to the scheme because of increasing construction costs and and unforeseen issues at the river crossing, taking the total ongoing project costs to £48m.