THE JUNCTION of Anstey Road and Anstey Lane in Alton will close for five days later this month, as part of Hampshire County Council’s £1.4 million upgrade.

Traffic will be diverted from 6.30am onwards on Monday, February 15, until Friday 19 February. This is to allow works to be completed to divert telecom cables and ducts and also to undertake drainage works.

Councillor Rob Humby, deputy leader of Hampshire County Council and executive member for economy, transport and environment, said: “We apologise in advance for any inconvenience these essential works may cause.

"Every effort will be made to keep the impact of the works to a minimum and we ask for people to be patient while the works are completed.

“This scheme will deliver a much needed upgrade to the junction by introducing traffic signal control and additional carriageway width to better manage the flows of turning traffic.

"These improvements will increase the capacity of the junction and will provide signalised pedestrian crossing facilities and improved provision for cyclists.”

A local signed diversion will be in place to re-direct traffic.

Anstey Road is the main eastern route of access between the Alton town centre and the A31. It is a key pedestrian and cycle corridor linking residential areas to the town centre, local schools, community recreation facilities and the railway station.

The junction is operating at capacity at the busiest times of the day, which leads to queues on Anstey Lane and Anstey Road.

Traffic volumes in the area are forecast to increase, which would result in additional congestion and delay at this junction.

The scheme is being delivered to increase junction capacity to accommodate this traffic growth and bring improvements to road safety.

The scheme is being funded by developer contributions.

For more information visit the scheme web pages: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/transportschemes/ansteyroad