Lake Road and Fratton Road update: June 2026

With the upcoming completion of Phase 1 and 2 of the works at Lake Road/Fratton Road, Phase 3 will focus on upgrading the existing traffic signal equipment and building the new pedestrian refuge islands. These improvements are designed to make crossing the junction safer and easier for all users.

Phases 1 and 2 involved widening the carriageway and improving footways and crossings to enhance accessibility and safety, including new tactile paving and flexible surfacing. The works also included upgrades to traffic signals, signage and streetlighting, along with the relocation of street furniture such as bus shelters and e-scooter stands.

One night shift is required for the set-up of phase 3 to set up temporary traffic signals on Sunday 28 June 2026 so that work can begin the following day. Working hours will be from 8pm to 5am.

The scheme is progressing well and is expected to be completed by Tuesday 26 August 2026. The final phase will take place at night, allowing us to carry out the remaining resurfacing and road marking works efficiently while minimising disruption during the day.

To manage traffic safely while these works are carried out the following measures will be in place:

• A2047 Fratton Road will be closed to northbound traffic. A signed diversion will be in place via St Mary’s Road, Milton Road, Copnor Road and New Road.

• During this phase vehicles will not be able to turn right or left from Fratton Road into Lake Road.

• Manor Road and Hampshire Street will be closed at the junction with Fratton Road.

• The left turn from Lake Road into Fratton Road will remain open.

• A2047 Fratton Road southbound will remain open.

While Phase 3 of the works is underway, we are also taking the opportunity to carry out minor works on the east side of Kingston Road, north of Hanway Road. This will include replacing a small number of gully gratings and channel blocks. These works are being coordinated alongside the phase 3 works to minimise disruption and avoid the need for future closures in this location.

The overall scheme includes a comprehensive set of improvements designed to enhance accessibility, sustainability, safety and travel experience for all users of the Lake Road and Kingston Road corridor and contribute to the overall travel network.

Key improvements include:

• Upgraded bus lanes to help buses run more smoothly and reliably
• Resurfaced carriageways to give all road users a better, safer experience
• Enhanced cycleways for active travel while providing a safer route with better connectivity.
• The bus lane is being widened and the kerbs around the central islands adjusted, making it easier for buses to turn and reduce delays.

The upcoming improvements will be carried out by Balfour Beatty and their supply chain partners, as part of the wider Portsmouth Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). For more information about BSIP, please visit travel.portsmouth.gov.uk/bsip.

Temporary traffic measures

Throughout the construction works, the following restrictions will be in place. We kindly ask all road users and pedestrians to adhere to the traffic management measures to ensure everyone’s safety and minimise disruption:

Pedestrians

• Pedestrian access will be reduced while the works are ongoing however temporary crossings and diversion routes will be created to ensure safety of residents and individuals who use this route.

Drivers and cyclists

• A2047 Fratton Road will be closed to northbound traffic. Please follow the signed diversion route via St Mary’s Road, Milton Road, Copnor Road and New Road.  A2047 Fratton Road will remain open to southbound traffic.
• The Manor Road and Hampshire Street junctions with Fratton Road will be closed. Please follow the signed diversion route.
• The Hanway Road junction with Fratton Road will remain closed for the duration of these works, this area will operate as a site compound while the project is ongoing. Please follow the signed diversion routes in place.
• Cyclists will be required to follow all temporary traffic management measures and signed diversion routes. As there are no segregated cycle lanes in this area, cyclists should be aware that they may need to merge with general traffic during the works.

Bus travel

• The bus stops on Lake Road (in both directions) will be temporarily suspended, with the exception of Cornmill Street and Clarendon Street.
• For services 3, 7, 19 and 23 passengers should use the Clarendon Street bus stops for both eastbound and westbound travel.
• We will remove the temporary traffic stop and re-open the one near to Hanway Road.

Bus Diversion Routes

More information is available on the First and Stagecoach websites:

• First Solent
• Stagecoach

Services affected: 3, 7, 14, 18, 19, 23

Southbound 3, 7, 23 → via London Road→ Kingston Crescent→ Mile End Road→ Commercial Road.

Southbound 19 → via Fratton Road→ Arundel St→ Holbrook Road→ Lake Road

Northbound 14 → via Holbrook Road and Lake Road.

Northbound 18 → via Arundel Street→ Holbrook Road →Lake Road.

Parking

• The Hanway Road junction with Fratton Road will be closed for the duration of the works, as the layby is being utilised as a site compound.
• Parking will be suspended along Kingston Road near the southbound Hanway Road bus stop to ensure works can be carried out safely and without obstruction.

Please note that the dates provided may be subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, night-time works may be necessary to maintain project timelines or to respond to unexpected developments. Advance notice will be given where possible.

We would like to take this opportunity to apologise for any inconvenience or disruption this work may cause. If you have any questions about these works, please contact us directly via bblphighwaysenquiries@balfourbeatty.com.