Botley Bypass Easter traffic measures are set to come into force from Monday 30 March, with Hampshire County Council issuing advance notice of planned restrictions on the A3051 and A334 to support critical construction work lasting until late April.
The measures are required to enable the safe installation of drainage and earthworks needed to connect the existing road network to the new bypass sections.
What road users need to know
Two separate sets of traffic management will operate on weekdays only:
- A3051, Botley to Park Gate – Two-way traffic lights will operate weekdays from 30 March to 24 April, between 9.30am and 4pm daily. Lights will be removed at 5pm on Thursday 2 April for the Easter Bank Holiday weekend and will return at 9.30am on Tuesday 7 April.
- A334 between Botley and Wickham (A3051 junction) – Two-way traffic lights will operate overnight on weekdays from 8pm to 6am, running from 30 March to 25 April. Restrictions will be lifted at 6am on Thursday 2 April and resume at 8pm on Tuesday 7 April.
- Pedestrian and cycle access will remain open throughout on signed routes.
Full closures deferred to late May
The updated approach replaces earlier proposals for full road closures during the Easter school holidays. Those closures are now scheduled for late May to early June, coinciding with the summer half-term, to allow construction of the new roundabout at the A3051/A334 junction and raising of existing road levels by approximately one metre. Signed diversions will be in place, with further details to be confirmed in advance. The revised timetable does not affect the scheme’s overall delivery.
Councillor Lulu Bowerman, Hampshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “Much of the construction for the Botley Bypass has been carried out without the need to significantly disturb traffic or close roads, helping to limit the impact on local journeys so far. As we move into the next phase of this major project, we now need to connect the new route with the existing road network, which will require some unavoidable traffic management.
“Our teams are working hard to minimise disruption as much as possible, and we apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause. We will be providing advance notice of any changes so local residents, businesses and other road users can plan ahead and allow more time for travel.
“Once complete, the new bypass — due to open late summer next year — will provide much-needed extra road capacity, easing journeys to and from Southampton and the M27. It will also bring significant benefits to communities in and around Botley by reducing congestion, noise and pollution that have affected the village for many years.”
Hampshire County Council approved the Botley Bypass in January 2025. For further information and updates, visit the scheme’s official webpages.
