Hampshire County Council announces improvements to walking and cycling route through Totton

IMPROVEMENTS are to be made on a route popular with walkers and cyclists between Totton and Southampton, Hampshire County Council has confirmed.

The upgrades to the National Cycle Route from Redbridge Causeway to Eling Lane include widening the existing shared route on the south side of Redbridge Causeway and Totton town centre via Commercial Road.

There will be further widening of the track adjacent to the A35 between the railway bridge and Rushington roundabout, via the removal of existing verge and repositioning of fencing in some areas. A new crossing island will be installed and kerblines realigned on the A35 Bartram Road junction.

The changes were approved by HCC’s cabinet member for highways operations, Cllr Nick Adams-King.

He said: “I am very pleased to agree that these improvements should go ahead. The plans will strengthen the walking and cycling connections into Southampton from the west, which is a key economic corridor and one used by those heading to school, college, university and work.

“The plans are very much in line with the government’s ambition for more people to embrace more sustainable and active ways of travelling and also aligns with our transport vision.

“It is important that we do what we can with the resources available to improve local networks to this end and provide Hampshire’s residents with the facility to be able to leave the car at home and cycle, walk or use public transport for their local journeys.”

Work is expected to begin in the autumn.