CIVIC chiefs have revealed that work on another ‘cycle freeway’ is to start later this month, as part of a two-year project to transform journey times on a major route into the city.

Also including updated traffic signal priority, and “virtual” bus lanes, Southampton’s A3024 Eastern Corridor works will cost £5.2 million – of which £3.73 has come from grants.

The council says that once complete, buses will be able to communicate with traffic signals and “ask” for additional green-light time.

This will lead to more reliable bus journeys, they suggest.

It comes just days after work building segregated cycle lane on the Inner Avenue started. As reported, this will form part of the Southampton Cycling Network route connecting the city with Chandler’s Ford.

Now this newly announced additional route – linking Bitterne Road East to Botley Road – will be in the same style.

Southampton City Council says it hopes the improvements on the A3024 will “improve journey times for all road users”.

Work is set to start on February 25.

The project, encompassing Bursledon Road between Botley Road and Bitterne Road East junctions, will be undertaken in four phases.

The first work is set to begin off the highway at the junction with Orpen Road a week on Monday. This, the council has promised, will have no impact on traffic flow and will involve only pedestrian diversions.

Transport boss Councillor Jacqui Rayment said: “We’re going through a time of significant change as we invest more than ever before in our transport system. Once complete these changes will improve the journey along Bursledon Road for all road users.

“We’ll be sending out regular updates to residents throughout these vital improvement works over the next two years. I would like to thank all road users for their patience as we work to secure a successful and sustainable long term future for Southampton.”

The council has confirmed that the cash from the scheme has been mostly funded by central government, with £3.73 million coming from the National Productivity Investment Fund via the Department for Transport.

The remaining £1.47 million will be contributed by the council.