A major scheme to improve access and safety for pedestrians and cyclists in Winchester near a 'dangerous' junction is gaining support.
Hampshire County Council has launched a public consultation on seven-figure plans to improve the junction of Badger Farm Road and Oliver’s Battery Road North and South in Winchester.
The scheme aims to make the area safer and more accessible for people walking, cycling, or using public transport. It is one of the biggest schemes of its kind in recent years.
Proposed is a new northbound bus lane from the Sainsbury’s roundabout to the Oliver’s Battery junction, which is intended to improve bus journey times and reliability.
A new signal-controlled pedestrian and a north-south cycle crossing is also planned, offering a step-free alternative to the current subway, which would remain in place.
City councillor Brian Laming said: "I've been campaigning for this ever since I've joined the city council, so I think that any improvement is good.
"It's dangerous getting out Oliver's Battery and there has been a number of accidents along there, so I'll be quite pleased if we can reduce the accident rate.
"The general response for Oliver's Battery is great.
"The message that came through from the parish council to me was that Badger Farm would like some consideration of the crossing, by the roundabout at Sainsbury's.
"The majority of school children, from the estate, go to Oliver's Battery and that's a main crossing point.
Read more
Wild! Festival transforms Winchester Cathedral into an immersive floral wonderland
Romsey fete raises £1,150 for Dementia UK
Author appointed creative writing lecturer at University of Winchester
Winchester Walking Football celebrate first national finals appearance
LIVE: Traffic chaos in Winchester over double roadworks
"The reduction in speed is welcome down Badger Farm Road, as the speed of traffic isn't brilliant. There are real concerns about the safety of children crossing the road."
The proposals also include a 40mph to 30mph speed limit reduction on Badger Farm Road, as well as a widening of the Ridgeway junction.
It is unclear how much the improvements will cost, but is is likely to be in the seven figure region, making it one of Winchester's biggest walking, cycling and bus schemes in many years.
A resident of Oliver's Battery, Steve Morgan, said: "Exiting from Oliver's Battery Road South in a car at peak times is a nightmare - difficult and dangerous.
"Traffic lights at peak times when Badger Farm Road is solid will make matters worse and will result in many people choosing to use the single Millers Lane instead, leading to jams and accidents on that road, and more traffic coming up from Hursley onto the roundabout.
"By all means put a light-controlled pedestrian crossing if you must, but please, not traffic lights for exiting Oliver's Battery Road South.
"Put a mini roundabout there- they are self regulating and will tame the drivers speeding up and down Badger Farm Road."
The consultation, which opened on September 1, runs until October 11.
A public information event will be held at St Mark’s Church in Oliver’s Battery on Wednesday, September 23, from 2.45pm to 7.30pm.
The highways project team will reportedly be available to answer questions and explain the proposals.
To view the plans as they currently stand, visit Hampshire County Council's website Badger Farm Junction Improvements.
The Chronicle has contacted the county council for comment.
Share