Press release: Improvements to M271/A35 Redbridge roundabout in Southampton backed

A proposed multi-million pound upgrade to the busy Redbridge roundabout near Southampton docks is a step closer today (Tuesday 11 July 2017) after Highways England published the results of a recent public consultation.

The scheme includes the creation of a new free flow left turn lane from the M271 to the Port of Southampton. The roundabout will also be widened on the southern side from Southampton to create four lanes and increase the capacity of the roundabout. Crossings for pedestrians and cyclists will be improved, with an additional Toucan crossing added, a footbridge will be replaced and a subway to the north of the junction will be refurbished.

Highways England Project Manager Joe Clark said:

I would like to thank everyone who took part in our consultation to improve Redbridge roundabout. This has provided a useful insight into the decision of our preferred route. It is clear from the wide range of opinions that have been collected from the public that improvements are necessary and we will use these comments to ensure that a suitable design can be achieved which best meet the objectives of the scheme.

Councillor Jacqui Rayment, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment on Southampton City Council, said:

I am pleased that Highways England have modified their plans and residents views have been taken into account. We welcome investment into our roads network and any scheme to improve the roads even though it causes disruption and delays will be all worthwhile in the end.

A public consultation was held from 9 November to 16 December 2016, and generated 184 responses. A copy of the consultation report can be found on the Highways England website, along with a summary of the preferred route.

More than three quarters of people taking part in the consultation agreed that congestion at the roundabout was an issue and that pedestrian and cyclist facilities needed upgrading. The consultation collected a wide range of opinions on the proposed upgrade, which will now all be considered by the project team as they develop a detailed design for the improvements.

Anyone interested in the scheme can sign up to receive updates via the project page on the Highways England website.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.