A major scheme to upgrade the A326 in tHampshire has taken a step forward, with a planning application now submitted for junction upgrades, new dual carriageway sections and walking and cycling improvements.
The proposals include a mammal tunnel for otters beneath the Bartley Water, seven new traffic light-controlled crossings, new roundabouts, extra traffic lanes, environmental mitigation measures and a “School Street” outside Marchwood CofE Infants School, says the Daily Echo.
As previously reported, Hampshire County Council gave the green light for the £187m A326 Waterside improvement scheme.
The scheme would see 2.6km of the A326 widened from single to dual carriageway between Michigan Way and Cocklydown Lane, while a further 1.5km would gain an additional southbound lane between Hounsdown and Staplewood Lane.
Eight junctions are proposed for improvement along the A326, including Michigan Way roundabout, Netley Marsh, Fletchwood Road, Monkton Lane, Cocklydown Lane, Staplewood Lane, Twiggs Lane, the new Pilgrim Inn double roundabout junction, and Main Road.
The Pilgrim Inn proposal would create a new key access point for Marchwood, while Main Road roundabout would be signalised and widened with additional lanes and improved turning arrangements.
Active travel measures include three modal filters to reduce through-traffic while maintaining access for walking and cycling.
These include closures and restrictions at Staplewood Lane (west) and Twiggs Lane (north), the latter supporting a “School Street” outside Marchwood CofE Infants School.
A series of new toucan crossings are also proposed to improve links between communities on the eastern side of the A326 and the New Forest National Park to the west.
Shared footway and cycleway routes would also be widened.
Environmental mitigation measures form a significant part of the project due to proximity to sensitive habitats, ancient woodland and protected environmental sites.
Among the ecological measures is a dry mammal tunnel beneath the A326 at Bartley Water to allow otters to cross during flooding.
(Picture: Hampshire County Council)
