A cyclist feels like he's putting himself “in danger” due to roadworks that are narrowing a busy Southampton road.
John Borg, 30, from Mansbridge, cycles through Wessex Lane each day when travelling to and from home.
However, the cycling enthusiast is now concerned for his safety due to roadworks that are widening the pavement and narrowing the road at the junction of Wessex Lane and Woodmill Lane.
John told the Echo: “This is one of my main routes coming home and previously I’ve always felt quite safe.
“But with this new change, I feel like I’m putting myself in danger because I’ll have to go to an almost complete standstill to make the narrower turn, with cars potentially barrelling up behind me – because drivers and cyclists are at each other’s throats 24/7, practically.
“Not only that, but I don’t see how buses going towards the university housing here are going to make the turn.
“It’s so tight now, I can just see there are going to be problems in three different directions.”
He added: “I just think the council could do more and take into account the repercussions of every kind of road user.”
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The roadworks started on August 8, with workers at the site from 7am to 5.30pm every day for seven weeks.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Southampton City Council said: “The project, funded by DfT (Transforming Cities Fund) and University of Southampton, will achieve easier connection between transport modes – namely access on foot to bus stops, bike/e-bike and e-scooter hire on Wessex Lane – and a safer, connected walking route between Wessex Lane Halls/Swaythling High Road and Riverside Park.
“These works follow improvements already delivered in summer 2022 including continuous crossings, traffic calming, bus stop upgrades and a new bike hire point.”
They continued: “The scheme is delivered in line with national design guidance.
“During the design process, vehicle tracking was completed to ensure buses and other large vehicles can safely make any turning movements.
“The design has also been assessed by independent Road Safety Auditors and no issues were raised.
“The project will improve safety for cyclists by reducing excessive vehicle speeds on the road.
“The lane width will be “acceptable for cycling in mixed traffic” in accordance with DFT Cycle Infrastructure Design (LTN 1/20).”
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