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Introduction

Southampton City Council is implementing a major highway improvement scheme at Millbrook Roundabout from 21 April 2008, and it is anticipated that the scheme will take approximately four months to complete.

The aims of the scheme are:

1. to improve structural integrity of the roundabout and also the road to and from Dock Gate 20
2. to improve road safety record at the City’s busiest roundabout
3. to ensure a consistent flow of traffic to and from this popular roundabout
4. to improve accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists.

Comments

Lorraine Brown, the Executive Director of Environment, said: “Millbrook Roundabout has the worst road injury accident record of any roundabout in the City. Over the past few years there have been a number of rear shunt and side-to-side collisions at the roundabout. Collisions have also resulted between vehicles entering the roundabout and those circulating around it. In addition, the underlying structure of the roundabout and also First Avenue Is in need of urgent repair to avoid serious future problems on this busy route. We are also taking this opportunity of major repair works to provide facilities for those that wish to cycle or walk, between the major residential area of Millbrook and the docks; and between the City Centre and the New Forest.”
The scheme has the backing of Southampton and Fareham Chamber of Commerce, and the Associated British Ports which relies on this major route into the city for the success of its business.

Captain Jimmy Chestnutt, Director General of the Southampton and Fareham Chamber of Commerce said: “To make alternative means of transport more readily accessible to members of the public there is a need to improve pedestrian access to Redbridge Train Station. Safety for members of the public must always be paramount in any scheme even though work on any roundabout is always difficult. The need to achieve this as well as the resurfacing work required at Millbrook Roundabout and Dock Gate 20 cannot be achieved without some disruption.

The Chamber of Commerce has long since lobbied for improvements to the existing infrastructure, including road and rail, which are necessary to meet today’s business demands and are hopeful that any inconvenience is kept to a minimum for road users through good management of this work, as this is a major route into and out of the City”.

Steven Young, Deputy Port Manager, Associated British Ports Southampton, said: "We are extremely pleased by the way the officers have consulted with us on this scheme all the way through and are delighted that these much needed improvements to one of the cities most important approach routes is finally underway." 

The sensitivity of this major road into and out of the City is recognised. Every effort will be made to minimise disruption and ensure that access to local premises are maintained. Once work starts the contractor will be providing a fortnightly bulletin to keep you informed about progress and any disruption this work may cause.