Works to install a bus gate that will close a busy road to traffic in peak times start today and are set to plague a busy road for the next three weeks.

The controversial project to bring a part-time bus, taxi and cycle-only section to Portswood Road is moving towards final stages, with the road being surfaced ahead of the gate's six-month trial.

The part of the road – between St Denys Road spur and Westridge Road – will be closed to traffic between 7am and 10am, and 4pm to 7pm, Monday to Saturday.

A lower speed limit of 20mph will be put in place permanently and a contraflow cycle lane will be installed in St Denys Road.

New signage will be added to neighbouring roads.

READ MORE: Portswood Broadway to close to traffic at peak times from next year

The bus gate installation works will mean pedestrians need to use an alternative footpath.

While most of the works will take place between 7am and 5pm, there will be overnight closures between 8pm and 6am on Portswood Road for five nights starting January 13 to complete resurfacing.

The St Denys Road spur will be closed entirely for two weeks to create a welfare zone for staff carrying out construction.

Temporary traffic signals will be in place on Highfield Lane for four days as the construction of buildout is carried out to create Active Travel Zones.

This means that wooden planters will be put in place on Brookvale Road and Belmont Road to block car traffic, allowing access only for cyclists and pedestrians.

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The construction of these buildouts will take place along Brookvale Road, Russell Place and Belmont Road from January 13 for 11 days, causing closures and diversion routes.

Access to driveways within the closure area will be provided for residents, however there may be short delays while workers move equipment.

Overall, the project will restrict traffic through the Portswood Broadway but will still allow access for car parking spaces in an effort to improve bus journey times.

The bus gate and Active Travel Zones will be introduced on a trial basis for a ‘minimum of six months to assess the potential impact,’ the council said.