New bypass opens at Barnfield Way, Hedge End
Mayor of Eastleigh Cllr Bruce Tennent has officially opened the Sundays Hill bypass along Barnfield Way at Hedge End.
The bypass is now open and links Heath House Lane/Kings Copse Avenue to Junction 8 of the M27.
The new road is 1.2km in length and includes a major new road bridge at the site. The new bridge forms part of a programme of over £24m of investments into the local area as part of the planning agreement for Boorley Park.
Cabinet Lead for Transport Cllr David Airey said, “I am delighted that the new bypass has opened. This strategically important road represents a significant improvement to the local road infrastructure and will help to improve access to the motorway and the flow of traffic around the Hedge End and Botley areas.”
The 1,400 home development is a joint project between national housebuilders Bovis Homes, Linden Homes and Bloor Homes.
Project Director David Evans, speaking on behalf on the consortium, said: “We’re delighted to open the bridge to the public after what was a technically challenging project. We’d like to thank Hampshire County Council, Eastleigh Borough Council and Highways England for their support throughout, and especially the local community for their patience and understanding while the work was carried out.”
The bridge was installed by expert contractor Breheny CE and saw the fitting of the 10 pre-cast, prestressed bridge beams measuring 23 metres in length. The bridge itself is an integral concrete bridge spanning 23m over an existing watercourse and area of ancient woodland.
It has also been designed to ensure it supports local flora and fauna - enabling a range of bats to maintain their preferred flight path along the water course and within the tree canopy. The bridge also allows the watercourse to flow naturally without the need of culverting.