Resurfacing is another step forward in Water Lane transformation near Southampton

Good progress is being made on the scheme to revitalise Water Lane Triangle shopping area in Totton; so much so that workers will soon be in a position to re-surface Water Lane.

In order to carry out this work effectively and safely, in the shortest time possible and minimum inconvenience, Water Lane and Salisbury Road will be closed during off peak hours (9.30am to 4pm) on 26 and 30 June 2009. Traffic wishing to enter Water Lane from Salisbury Road will be diverted while the road is closed.

The existing one way traffic system will remain in operation before and after the closure periods.

Jointly funded by Hampshire County Council and New Forest District Council, the imaginative project is designed to rejuvenate the popular shopping destination and boost safety for motorists and pedestrians. Work to rebuild the existing road and widen and resurface the footways aims to reduce the amount of traffic passing through the area and make it more pedestrian friendly.

Both residents and retailers are set to benefit from the major improvements to the Salisbury Road and Water Lane Triangle, which includes:

•new kerbing and pedestrian crossing points

•wider and safer pavements

•new delivery and disabled parking spaces

•upgrading the existing controlled crossing facilities

•a pedestrian ‘refuge'

•grassing the tarmac ‘triangular' footway areas, and planting trees and shrubs

•new benches and litter bins

•improved facilities for cyclists and new cycle stands

•new and improved street lighting

Developed from the 2003 Urban Design Framework study which looked at future change for Totton and Eling, the work is being carried out in four stages to give the area a ‘village green' feel, with trees lining the street and grass replacing the current large triangular areas of tarmac. Contractors Mildren Construction started work on 16 March and should complete the scheme by mid July.

Councillor Mel Kendal, Hampshire County Council's Executive Member for Environment, said: "Water Lane is a popular area for shopping and visiting and it is important to maintain its appeal and, at the same time, incorporate safety improvements which will add value to this transformation.

"The scheme represents a considerable investment by both Hampshire County Council and New Forest District Council and we have worked very hard, with the contractors to keep disruption to a minimum. The message to shoppers, residents and retailers is that it's very much business as usual while the work is going on. I am confident that businesses and residents will agree that end result will be more than worth the wait; with it should come a boost for economic vitality and a vastly improved environment for those living, working and shopping there."

Looking after Hampshire, looking out for you www.hants.gov.uk/mediacentre For media enquiries please contact: Diana Leahy, Media Communications Officer (Environment) Tel: 01962 847666 Email: diana.leahy@hants.gov.uk

For more details visit : Hampshire County Council

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