Leigh Road in Eastleigh to be closed

Eastleigh’s major route into Chandler’s Ford, Leigh Road, will be closed for up to two weeks, sparking huge delays for motorists, especially during the rush hour.

Hampshire County Council is to resurface the carriageway between the M3 overpass through to the traffic light junction at Bournemouth Road.

The essential safety work will start today and will be carried out in two phases, with night working on one section of the road to minimise disruption.

But due to the need to completely remove the old road surface, and to undertake drainage works before laying the new surface, council chiefs have said it will be necessary to close the stretch in both directions.

Residents will be able to access their off-road parking, but while pedestrian access will be maintained throughout, vehicle access for residents will only be available via the Bournemouth Road junction.

Motorists are being warned to allow extra time for journeys in the Eastleigh area, particularly during peak periods.

Councillor Mel Kendal, executive member for environment at Hampshire County Council, said: “This is a significant scheme of essential roads maintenance that must be completed to prolong the life of the road and maintain safety for road users.

“Obviously we recognise that closing the road will cause a great deal of inconvenience and lead to delays but it is not a decision that has been taken lightly.”

The work is expected to be completed by February 20.

Diversions

■ The main diversion route in both directions will utilise Bournemouth Road, Winchester Road, Allbrook Way, Woodside Avenue and Leigh Road.

■ An alternative southbound diversion will also be in place along Bournemouth Road and then Chestnut Avenue for alternative access to the M27 and Eastleigh town centre.

■ For the overnight closures on February 8 to February 11 from 10pm to 6am, there will be a motorway diversion via Junction 12 of the M3 and then joining the main diversion route.