Southampton residents up in arms over ‘chaotic’ roadworks

Kevin Murphy and Ralph Mason say the 10-week closure of Priory Road is having a detrimental effect on motorists and pedestrians.

The disgruntled pair live on Adelaide Road which has been "taken over" by to cars, lorries and vans blocking the street.

The works at the junction with St Denys Road aim to make the area safer for pedestrians and cyclists. It's a scheme people are "happy with and would use", the council says.

But Kevin fears it is only a matter of time before someone is hurt.

Kevin Murphy (left) and Ralph Mason in Adelaide Road (Image: Newsquest)

The 69-year-old said: “It’s absolutely chaotic. Ask anyone on the road – it’s so dangerous.

“The council is putting speed ramps in, so they have closed Priory Road, meaning there is only one way in and out of the estate – Adelaide Road.

“The roadworks mean we can’t get out. The only way in or out now is if you go past the railway gates.

“But people are getting stuck there as no-one is giving way to each other.

“My wife got stuck there and she couldn’t go anywhere. It’s an accident waiting to happen.”

Adelaide Road is the only available route to Priory Road South during the roadworks.

The first phase, which started on October 16, focuses on the junction of St Denys Road and Priory Road.

A new ‘controlled crossing’ with pedestrian countdown timers will be installed at all four crossing points.

The traffic light system will be upgraded to include advanced cycle signals on all arms of the junction.

READ MORE: Southampton road to close for seven weeks as next phase of work gets underway

But for Kevin and Ralph, the additional passing traffic and parked vehicles as a result of the works have created a perfect storm.

Ralph, 78, has lived on the road for 53 years, and can no longer leave his house as easily as before.

He said: “School times are the worst – at 3pm every day the traffic is really bad.

“And we have got this for several more weeks.

“The cars have taken over the whole road, it’s just a car park now. It’s not pleasant.

“It’s part of the campaign against cars and drivers.”

Kevin added: “The council really need to come down here and look at it when it’s busy. It’s difficult for me to get home after work.

“I pick my grandson up and it’s heaving round here and dangerous.

“Cars are blocking the road and the pavement, so you can imagine the parents having to walk their children into the road.”

In response to concerns raised, a council spokesperson said: “Existing traffic management arrangements will be monitored and reviewed if necessary.”

Councillor Eamonn Keogh, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport said: “This scheme is a clear example of how we have listened to the local community to build a scheme they are happy with and would use.

“Some of the businesses had concerns with the initial designs, we listened to their concerns and have incorporated their feedback into the final designs. These measures will improve connections into the city centre and address concerns that residents have raised about safety in the area.”