Quicker buses are on the way, as a busy central roundabout in Portsmouth is about to get an improved bus lane.
Portsmouth City Council has authorised work to begin at Rudmore Roundabout in Stamshaw, for improvements to make the roundabout safer for people driving and cycling and to reduce bus journey times.
Part of the work is focused on extending the southbound bus lane on Mile End Road (A3) back to the roundabout near to the Admiral Drake pub. This means that buses will be able to travel from Stamshaw and the nearby Park & Ride depot into the city centre more swiftly, making public transport a quicker, safer, and more attractive option for everyone.
At the same time, work will also begin on widening the entrance on to the M275 heading north so all traffic can flow on to the motorway more freely. Once work is completed in these areas, the roundabout and surrounding slip roads will be resurfaced, and lane markings will be improved. This will help traffic get through the roundabout more easily.
This roundabout is a major junction, used by local traffic, buses and vehicles accessing Portsmouth city centre, Portsmouth International Port and cargo terminal and the M275. When complete, these developments are expected to reduce bus journey times for people travelling to and from the centre, as well as making it safer and easier for all traffic to join the M275 heading north.
Cllr Lynne Stagg, Cabinet Member for Traffic and Transportation said
“I’m pleased to see this work starting on this busy roundabout. Improvements like this will help us to provide better, more connected, and more reliable bus services throughout Portsmouth, so anyone living, working, or visiting can more easily choose public transport. If we can make bus travel a more attractive option, this will mean fewer private cars on the road, leading to cleaner air and improved health for everyone in the city.”
The improvement works will start on 22 August 2022 and will continue until late November. Most of the work will take place at night, except for improvements to the northbound slip road on to the M275 which will take place during the daytime.
Plans have been made to help manage traffic and some roads and footpaths may be closed at certain times. People will be able to access all surrounding roads while the work is happening.
- Mile End Road heading south into the city centre will have narrow lanes and some overnight closures until the end of September.
- The dedicated lane from Wharf Road on to the M275 heading north will be closed until late October and traffic signals will be covered to make sure there are gaps for traffic entering the roundabout from this direction.
- The slip road on to the M275 heading north will be closed overnight for around two nights in October.
- The roundabout will be resurfaced from October to mid-November, so some lanes may be closed during this time.
- Footpaths and cycle lanes around Stamshaw Avenue, Wharf Road and Twyford Avenue may be closed for short periods while improvements are made.
Details for all road closures will be advertised in advance, and up to date information will be posted at www.sehrt.org.uk/rudmore.
Along with other travel improvements due to take place in the city, this work will support the transformation of Portsmouth’s travel networks, helping to reduce the impact of traffic on the environment, stimulate the economy and improve the lives of people travelling, working, or living in the area.
This work will also go hand in hand with the ongoing development of bus travel in Portsmouth, after £54.5 million was received earlier this year to offer new tickets, earlier and later bus times and to introduce zero-emission buses.
As part of these works, a small woodland area is planned to be added around the eastern side of the roundabout. This will compensate for any trees that are affected and will also make the environment greener and more pleasant for everyone travelling through the area.
A public consultation was held in August 2021 to ask what people thought about ideas to improve this roundabout, with extending the bus lane one of the more popular options. Results of this consultation can be found at yourcityyoursay.portsmouth.gov.uk
For up-to-date information about this and other South East Hampshire Rapid Transit (SEHRT) projects, visit www.sehrt.org.uk/schemes.