NEW construction work to make improvements for walkers and cyclists using a Winchester road will start later this month.

The work on Worthy Road between Dyson Drive and Stoke Road, as well as Dyson Drive junction and Stoke Road junction is expected to start on Monday, October 21 with an approximate completion in spring 2025.

Hampshire County Council has appointed Mildren Construction for the work, which includes a new parallel crossing, wider footpaths, narrowing the junctions, a new continuous crossing further down Stoke Road, and improvements to the existing uncontrolled crossing on Dyson Drive.

It will also include resurfacing, upgrading streetlights, improving drainage, and new signs and landscaping.

Worthy RoadWorthy Road (Image: Google Maps)

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Current resident parking bays in Dyson Drive, Chaundler Road, and Francis Gardens in Abbotts Barton will be temporarily suspended and unavailable during the works. Alternative parking for residents with valid permits has been arranged.

Emergency vehicle access to the properties and pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

The news of the work has been welcomed by campaigners who have been pressing for the improvements for several years.

Action group Cycle Winchester said: "Good news about Worthy Road! cycle Winchester is pleased to have contributed to the design of the new scheme".

City councillor John Tippett-Cooper said on the social media platform Nextdoor: “Really great news to see these long campaigned for improvements to Worthy Road finally going ahead, including a pedestrian crossing and widening of the footpath/cycleway.

“Lib Dem councillors have been calling for these improvements for years and it’s satisfying to see it finally going ahead.”

More information about the work can be found on the Hampshire County Council website.