Plan to turn busy Hampshire road into dual carriageway

By Maria Zaccaro, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Plans to turn a busy Hampshire road into a dual carriageway and transform a controversial level crossing have been unveiled as part of a major transport scheme.

The A326 between Michigan Way and Cocklydown Lane and between Hounsdown Business Park and Dibden could be turned into a dual carriageway, it has been revealed.

The move would be part of a major transport strategy set to transform the way people move around the New Forest.

The plans would also include proposals for the Junction Road level crossing in Totton.

It comes as official documents revealed that over the coming months highway bosses will assess a number of options for the closure of the level crossing.

Options will including a new road bridge near the existing bridge and a road crossing at another location in Totton.

The news comes as civic chiefs are also looking at plans to reopen the Waterside railway line. This would see new stations at Hythe Town, Hythe and Fawley Parkway.

As previously reported, the move would support the £1bn plans for homes, shops and community facilities at the former Fawley power station site.

Civic chiefs are also looking to increase capacity along the more northerly part of the on the A326, between J2 of the M27 to the north and the junction with Sizer Way at Applemore (Dibden) to the south.

Bus priority improvements are planned for central Totton, the A326/A35 Rushington roundabout and the A326 fork south-east of Hounsdown Business Park.

Meanwhile, three bus stops are set to be created in south Totton, Applemore and Hythe. More facilities for cyclists and pedestrians are also set to be part of the plan.

All of the schemes will be part of a major transport plan set to be published next year.

A public consultation on the proposals is planned for spring 2021.

The plans will then be reviewed taking into account residents’ feedback and will be considered by Hampshire County Council.

Improvements at roundabouts between the more southerly part of the A326 between Main Road (north of Dibden) and the B3053 at Church Lane in Fawley, will also be part of the transport strategy.

Cllr Rob Humby, executive member for economy, transport and environment at the county council, said: “We’ve put together a strong vision for the future of the Waterside. Improvements in the local transport infrastructure here will have a significant impact on local people being able to live safe, healthy and independent lives. The forthcoming Waterside Transport Strategy will enable the County Council to proactively plan ahead and respond to development applications based upon a robust evidence base.”

Cllr David Harrison, county councillor for Totton South and Marchwood, said: “It has long been recognised that the A326, being single carriageway for much of its length is inadequate to carry the weight of traffic that is expected of it.”