Botley Bypass is a new 1.8km road including a bridge over the River Hamble, a new roundabout, and improved footways and cycleways.
Construction started: Spring 2025
Planned completion: Late Summer 2027
Why are we doing it?
– Make journeys quicker and easier
– Keep Botley village quieter and cleaner
– Help people walk and cycle more
– Make space for new homes and jobs
Hampshire County Council
That's longer than the journey from London to China.
Enough to circle the Earth!
That's 18 football pitches end to end!
That's four and a half laps of an outdoor athletic track!
Which could surround most of Botley!
Which would stretch from Botley High Street to Botley Railway station!
- 4km of fencing is being used on site which could surround most of Botley!
- About 800 cones are being used throughout the site, which would stretch from Botley High Street to Botley Railway station!
- Two 67 tonne piling rigs, which are big machines that build strong foundations, are driving the pilings into the ground. Each rig is as heavy as 10 elephants!
- 6,413m of drainage pipe is being used, which is the same as 64 football pitches end to end!
We care about nature while building the Botley Bypass!
Before starting, we checked the area and found amazing places and animals. Two special spots are:
We also discovered rare habitats and animals like bats, otters, birds, and even reptiles! That’s why our nature experts make sure wildlife stays safe while we build.
Slow Worms & Grass Snakes: Few slow worms and grass snakes were found on site. Reptile fencing was installed and trapping by ecologists ensured safe relocation. Felled trees were used to create log piles for new habitats. Fencing is checked regularly.
Otters: An otter holt was found outside the construction area and is occasionally visited. A 30m cordon protects it, and work methods prevent disturbance. The new bridge design allows otters continued river access, with ongoing habitat restoration.
Fish – Sea Trout & Eels: A 2015 fish pass at Botley Mill weir opened 10 km of river for sea trout and eels. During piling, works avoid migration season, monitor underwater noise, and use nets to keep fish away. Any fish found are moved upstream by ecologists. Sea trout numbers are being monitored.
Regular updates are available here:
