Cross residents have finally received an answer about the mysterious roadworks in place for two years in Winchester. 

Positioned near a pedestrian crossing, the bundle of barriers and signage have restricted access since 2022 to the footpath at the junction of Mead Road and St Cross Road.

Concerns were raised about the long-standing obstructions by Richard Chisnell, 81, of Edward Road, and former chairman of Friends of St Cross Hospital.

Mr Chisnell said: “The hole in the path has been here for two years. It’s becoming something of a legend now. This isn’t easy for pedestrians or people in pushchairs. They have also placed raised tarmac around the drain, so it isn’t clear why the signs and barriers are still on the path.

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“I just wonder if anyone’s interested. It seems to me two years is a rather long time for this all to still be here.”

An explanation has now been provided by the road agency in charge of the ongoing work. A spokesperson for Hampshire County Council, said: “The barriers and signage at the Mead Road/St Cross Road junction in Winchester are in place ahead of planned work to repair a collapsed drainage soakaway.

“The required repair is complex due to the age and design of the drainage feature and it has needed detailed investigation by our engineers. 

“The work is scheduled to take place later this month, under temporary traffic signals, and will require the suspension of on-street parking, the bus stop, and also a temporary switch-off of the nearby pedestrian crossing.”

According to the Hampshire County Council website, the planned works will begin at 9.30 am on March 21 and run until 3pm on the 22nd.

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The work is listed as a cover replacement, including slabs with concrete lintel underneath for support as necessary.

Commuters should be aware that the north and south bound bus stops will need to be suspended and the pedestrian crossing switched off for the duration of the works, and that there will be parking suspension for bays outside the First Plaice chip shop.

To find more information about road maintenance, residents can visit the Planned Maintenance page on the Hampshire County Council website for an updated map of ongoing and proposed works.