Next phase of works to improve the bus lanes in Hilsea begins tomorrow

Seven weeks of works are planned as part of phase 2 of the project which will focus on the northbound footway and include a mix of daytime and night-time operations.

It follows the first phase of works (see the video embedded in this story) which saw the junction at Northern Parade and London Road closed at the end of last year to alter the shape and size of the traffic islands to make the road area wider, as well as install new drainage.

These works are part of the Portsmouth Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), funded by the UK Government, in a project which aims to improve bus journeys, improve traffic flow, and create ‘a safer, more sustainable travel experience for all road users’.

Phase 2 of the project will begin on January 6, and will focus on the northbound footway and include a mix of daytime and night-time operations with works expected to take around seven weeks.

Key improvements will include:

• Upgrading the bus lane on London Road (A2047) near the News Centre bus stop to make it wider, enabling buses to depart more quickly and safely.

• Extending the bus lane on Northern Parade.

• Adding an island over the existing separating lines in front of Parade Court.

• Improving the shared footway and cycle path between Northern Parade junction and up to Hilsea Lido.

• Further enhancements to drainage systems to reduce flood risk near the footbridge.
• Junction road resurfacing and realigning of road markings.

These upgrades follow earlier public consultation, traffic modelling, and other data analysis. They are funded through Portsmouth’s £52 million BSIP, a government-supported initiative to enhance local bus services and infrastructure.

The works coincide with the southbound closure of Eastern Road while Southern Water make repairs to the sewage pipe. However the Hilsea works should not impact of motorists entering the city.

For more information about BSIP, visit travel.portsmouth.gov.uk/bsip.