Agenda item

Patrick Bingham from Hampshire County Council provided an update on the ongoing works at Junction 9 and R1 roundabout. He advised that only a few activities were left to complete and that some work was on hold pending agreement from National Highways. Regarding Whiteley Way South, he advised that some vehicle restraint barrier works remained on the Northbound approach to the Parkway roundabout. A lane closure was in place over the next few weeks to finish that work, and in general, the works continued across the site for the next few weeks until the scheme was finally complete.

Members raised concerns and questions, which included the following:

1. Unclear lane markings on the roundabout and only one lane available for vehicles travelling eastbound onto the M27.
2. Whether a further safety audit was required and a review of the lane markings.
3. Issues with coming out of Rookery Avenue onto R1, with only one lane available for most people going towards the motorway.
4. An update regarding Whiteley Way/Botley Way road traffic lights.

In response, Patrick Bingham stated that a third safety audit would take place in the coming months to review the operation and consider its safety standing. In addition, he advised that the lane markings were correct as designed; however, he would request that the design team review the markings at Junction 9 to ensure they genuinely reflected the capacity and requirements needed.

Regarding Whiteley Way/Botley Way, Mr Alborough advised that a review of the operation of the junction had been undertaken and that the developer had been tasked with making several improvements within the next 4 weeks. These improvements would be further monitored.