A334 Charles Watts Way finally reopens near M27 in Southampton

The eastbound carriageway of the A334 Charles Watts Way has been shut since November 13 as construction workers set out to repair a landslip that had occurred at the side of the road.

It closed a major link between the eastern side of Southampton and the M27 at junction 7.

At the time, Hampshire County Council said the work was essential to prevent further damage to the embankment off the side of the road.

It also said had the road been left without being repaired, it increased the risk of having to close the road in both directions for a longer period.

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What became worse for drivers was that the work was due to be finished by around mid-February, but was then extended until June.

But after a months of delays on surrounding roads, today, June 7, the traffic cones and signage have been removed and drivers can now travel on the fully re-opened eastbound lane of the A334.

The newly installed barrier on Charles Watts Way (Image: NQ) The re-opening will come as welcome news for many drivers, amid the M27 resurfacing work and following frequent road works on the nearby A27 Kanes Hill, which has also made the traffic issues for diverting motorists worse.

In February, National Highways began a more than two year project to resurface the M27 between junctions five and seven. 

This has left drivers between junctions five and seven stuck at 50 miles per hour while a low noise surface asphalt is laid over the road. This was due to years of noise complains from residents living near the motorway in West End.

With the eastbound Charles Watts Way closure and the M27 resurfacing, the nearby A27, Kanes Hill could also not escape the blight of road works - with the A27 being hit by road works for the three times in less than two months.