Second ‘Tiger Crossing’ completed in Portsmouth

Portsmouth City Council announces the completion of the second ‘Tiger Crossing’ on Victoria Road North. This milestone marks another stride in the city’s East West Active Corridor scheme, aimed at creating safer and more accessible routes for people walking or cycling.

This crossing, like the one on Fawcett Road, will allow cyclists and pedestrians to cross the junction safely. Improvements to the area also include a narrower approach to the roundabout, cycle ramps and dropped kerbs for cyclists and pedestrians to increase safety, as well as new plants and benches to make the area more pleasant.

These follow improvements on Goldsmith Avenue, including a cycle lane protected by bollards and new crossings for people getting to Fratton railway station, Fratton Park, and nearby shops.

Further phases of this project are planned for completion by March 2024. These will include enhancements to the shared cycle path along Aldwell Street and an upgraded crossing on Somers Road South, alongside work to make the area safer and greener, like tree planting, CCTV cameras and improved lighting.

As part of the ongoing works, any trees removed will be replaced by the planting of 13 new trees, ultimately resulting in expanded and diverse green spaces. This initiative aims to reintegrate nature into the city while introducing more sensitive surface treatments for tree roots.

Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Cabinet Member for Transport, said:

“This new tiger crossing is another step to improving cycling and walking routes in Portsmouth, aligned to our vision of making it easier to travel around, safer, and more accessible to everyone. Next year further phases will continue to see a better walking and cycling route across the city from Milton and Fratton to the city centre. All of these improvements also contribute to creating a greener and more pleasant environment in the city.”

For further details, please visit www.portsmouth.gov.uk/east-west-corridor.