THE LONG wait for road safety improvements at an accident blackspot in Petersfield looks set to drag on for another year.

Hopes for a quick conclusion to the Pulens Lane saga have been dashed as work is unlikely to start until early 2025.

Nearby residents have received a leaflet from Hampshire County Council about the launch of a public engagement event later this month.

Comments will be sought on a host of possible changes with the onus on improving road safety and reducing traffic dominance on Pulens Lane and Heath Road East.

It states: “The scheme proposals will include measures such as traffic calming, improved crossing provision for pedestrians and cyclists and new junction layouts.

“(There will also be) the creation of new public spaces for the local community to make it look and feel less like a fast through road for vehicles.”

It adds: “Dependent on the outcome of the community feedback the intention is to take these scheme design proposals forward to enable the start of works on site in early 2025.”

Although the engagement period will begin on November 20 and will run until early 2024, town councillors have already seen provisional designs. The most contentious aspect seems to be the Durford Road junction as the north-eastern corner of the heath could be turned into a standing area to allow a new pedestrian crossing.

It looks like developer contributions from the builders of the Causeway Farm estate will cover much of work as the South Downs National Park Authority has allocated £1,088,328 to the Pulens Lane Junctions and Placemaking Improvements.

Details of the engagement, launched by HCC in partnership with the EHDC, Petersfield Town Council and the national park, will be shortly advertised on council websites and social media channels.