These works are part of the Portsmouth Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), funded by the UK Government, and delivered by Balfour Beatty and partners.
The project aims to enhance bus journeys, improve traffic flow, and create a safer, more sustainable travel experience for all road users.
Works completed so far:
- All three of the existing traffic islands have been reduced in size to allow additional road width to facilitate smoother journeys for all road users, by keeping buses in dedicated lanes.
- Enhanced drainage systems have been added to the central islands to reduce flood risk, improving driving conditions in wet weather.
- The main island has been topsoiled in preparation for seeding in the spring, to support urban greening.
Phase 2 improvements will resume Tuesday 6 January, and are expected to last approximately seven weeks (weather dependent). Phase 2 will focus on the northbound footway and include a mix of daytime and night-time operations, with further details communicated to residents via letters from Balfour Beatty.
Key improvements will include:
- Upgrading the bus lane on London Road (A2047) near the News Centre bus stop to make it wider, enabling buses to depart more quickly and safely.
- Extending the bus lane on Northern Parade.
- Adding an island over the existing separating lines in front of Parade Court.
- Improving the shared footway and cycle path between Northern Parade junction and up to Hilsea Lido.
- Further enhancements to drainage systems to reduce flood risk near the footbridge.
- Junction road resurfacing and realigning of road markings.
These changes will further support accessibility, sustainability, and active travel along the A3 Northern Parade corridor.
Cllr Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport, said:
“It has been a big year for bus improvements in Portsmouth, with ridership up by a further 22%. Continued investment in infrastructure is vital to support this growth and deliver benefits for all road users. We would like to thank our residents for their ongoing patience and understanding while these works are being carried out.“The A3 Northern Parade and London Road junction is a key route in and out of the city, and these improvements will also support visitors to Hilsea Lido when it reopens next year. Safer junctions for drivers, faster journeys for bus users, and improved shared paths for those walking and cycling – all part of our vision for a people-centred, connected travel network that helps create a safer, healthier, and more prosperous city.”
These upgrades follow earlier public consultation, traffic modelling, and other data analysis. They are funded through Portsmouth’s £52 million BSIP, a government-supported initiative to enhance local bus services and infrastructure. For more information about BSIP, please visit travel.portsmouth.gov.uk/bsip.