NEW cycle routes will boost riders' travel from the city centre to Southampton General Hospital.

As part of a major scheme, a two-way cycle route will be installed together with low-level cycle signals at the junction of Hill Lane and Bellemoor Road.

Two raised zebra crossings will also be put in with tactile paving along Hill Lane.

The new cycle route stretch will see new drainage, kerbs and it will be completely resurfaced.

The aim of the scheme is to improve connections for commuters between the city centre and Southampton General Hospital.  

Councillor Eamonn Keogh, Cabinet Member for Transport and District Regeneration, said: “We want to ensure active travel is a safe and accessible way to travel and this scheme will do just that.

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"Enhancing safety and access for people walking and cycling.  

"These works will also support key workers on their journey to work.

"Providing a better connection between the City Centre and the Southampton General Hospital.  

"We’re particularly keen on making it easier for children to cycle or walk to school.

"As active travel becomes more attractive, comfortable and direct and this is one stage of that journey.” 

Crossing points will be improved at the junction of Wilton Road and Bellemoor Road to boost the school street zones for Shirley Infant and Junior schools. 

The scheme comes following a consultation with residents last year.  

The city council aims to create more sustainable travel options for those coming from the hospital and the train station with the addition to the cycle network.

The scheme is being funded by the Government’s Active Travel Fund to ensure safe and sustainable travel.  

The budget will be used to improve active safe travel choices with permanent walking, accessibility, and cycling improvements across the city. 

The work will begin on July 18, taking place on Hill Lane, between Burgess Road and Wilton Road, and will last for eight weeks.   

More details about the improvements can be found on the Connecting Southampton at transport.southampton.gov.uk

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