Improvement works are taking place on Kingston Road from Monday 6 July 2026, between Hanway Road and Binsteed Road. These works are part of Portsmouth’s Bus Service Improvement Plan and will help make everyday journeys easier by improving bus reliability, reducing congestion and supporting cleaner air across the city.
Why the works are needed
Kingston Road is one of Portsmouth’s busiest bus corridors. Thousands of people rely on this route every day for work, school, appointments, and shopping. The improvements will:
- Make buses more reliable and reduce delays
- Improve safety for people walking and cycling
- Upgrade traffic signals and pedestrian crossings
- Renew worn sections of carriageway
- Support smoother traffic flow for all road users
A new part‑time southbound bus lane will be introduced between Binsteed Road and Hanway Road, operating between 7–10am and 4–7pm, Monday to Friday, helping reduce delays for routes 3, 7, 14, 18, 19 and 23.
Parking and loading changes
Following public consultation in 2025, several mitigation measures have been developed to support local businesses and visitors:
- Hanway Road car park: 2‑hour parking limit (no return within 4 hours), Monday–Saturday, 8am–6pm
- Sultan Road: New 14‑metre loading bay (loading only, all times) and 15‑metre short‑stay parking bay (1 hour, no return within 1 hour, Monday–Saturday, 8am–6pm)
- Southbound bus lane: Now part‑time to retain loading outside peak hours
How the works will be delivered
The programme will run for approximately 8 weeks, weather permitting, and will be delivered in phases to minimise disruption. Access for residents, businesses and emergency services will be maintained wherever safe.
Utility companies including SGN and SSEN will also complete essential works during this period to avoid future closures.
Hanway Road junction with Fratton Road will be closed for the duration of the works and used as a site compound. Signed diversions will be in place.
Traffic management
Traffic management will be in place, with working hours from 7am–5pm. Key phases include:
- 6–10 July: Northbound Fratton Road, cycle lane suspended; temporary pedestrian walkway
- 20–23 July: Southbound Fratton Road, cycle lane suspended; parking bays suspended
- 24–30 July: Binsteed Road junction, temporary two‑way signals; Binsteed Road closed
- 31 July–17 August: New Road junction, full closure of New Road; temporary two‑way signals on Kingston Road
Night‑time resurfacing works will take place later in the programme, with details provided separately.
Bus travel
Bus services will continue to operate throughout the works.
- Hanway Road northbound stop: Closed until 31 July (temporary stop in place)
- Hanway Road southbound stop: Suspended during New Road junction works (31 July–12 August)
- Queens Road stop: Open except during resurfacing (letter to follow)
Bus diversions
6–10 July Routes affected: 3, 7, 14, 18, 19, 23 Diversions via London Road, Kingston Crescent, Mile End Road, Commercial Road, Arundel Street, Holbrook Road and Lake Road depending on route.
20–25 July & 27–30 July No bus diversions required.
31 July–17 August Routes affected: 14, & 19, Diversions via Fratton Road, St Mary’s Road, Milton/Baffins Road, Tangiers Road and Copnor Road.
