The Southampton Road

Please click one of the links below to read the specific parts of the project

Background
Vision Objective
Proposals
Rationale
SALTMO

Background:

This is a main approach road to the city and the through route from the south to Bristol and Bath. The A36 is a main entrance route into the city from Southampton and a major through route. The area is characterised by large out-of town retail units, including some fashion retail, DIY stores and electrical retail outlets. There is a large Tesco Extra store at the furthest end of the gateway from the city and the Wiltshire College Salisbury campus at the opposite end on the roundabout linking Southampton Road to the main city ring-road.

As a single carriageway road the A36 suffers from frequent congestion at peak times. The construction of the out of town Tesco superstore over 15 years ago has lead to subsequent piecemeal development of large retail units, these have considerably added to the congestion, traffic flow problems and unattractive appearance of the Eastern Gateway to the city.

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Vision Objective:

Reduce congestion on the Southampton Road and improve the visual appearance of this gateway to the city

Proposals:

  • Improve the A36 Southampton Road as an important gateway to the city making it attractive for commuters and tourists; this could include priority measures for buses and cyclists and high quality public transport stops.
  • Carry out a feasibility study on measures to reduce congestion
  • Increase the local bus frequency for local commuters
  • Rationalise the number of access points on to Southampton Road from adjacent streets and access roads
  • De-clutter, where possible, areas of the public realm through the rationalisation of highway signage, barriers, bollards and other highway related items
  • Include high quality, simple and coordinated public realm elements such as boulevard planting, street furniture, lighting, paving and public art.
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Rationale:

  • To improve the gateway into Salisbury from the east
  • To complement the physical regeneration of the area
  • To encourage people to use Southampton Road by way of alternative modes of transport to the private car

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SALTMO

SALTMO is a local organisation which is seeking to help:

  • reduce traffic congestion, especially along Southampton Road (A36)
  • responsible businesses to coordinate efforts in an effective way
  • improve your travel options, by working with the Council and Highways Agency
  • let you know about cheaper, healthier travel options
  • provide access to discounts on bicycles and cycle equipment
  • create a more positive image of the “Gateway to Salisbury” for everyone

Salisbury Transport Management Organisation (SALTMO) was set up to help local businesses work together with the community to improve travel options to access shops, workplaces and education.

SALTMO is a non profit organisation which includes representatives from Wiltshire Council, the Highways Agency and is supported by local businesses.

Their initial focus is the Southampton Road Retail Park which is occupied by over 80 businesses providing a wide range of products and services. The area is currently affected by traffic congestion issues particularly during weekday evenings and on Saturdays.

For more information about and the latest news from SALTMO, including deals for bus shoppers, please visit the SALTMO website.