I counter that by asking why you would head due north from Winchester to Andover? Head south for a short stretch to the M27 then A31, A35, and A30 before picking picking up the Oakhampton route. You do like to faff about don't you. Using route planners will give you the driving conditions NOW...
I've commuted to Eastleigh using the A272 and have normally found it pretty reliable outside of peak hours BUT it doesnt take a lot to cause a jam on any stretch of that route. I got to know most of the back roads just because of that. You cannot rely on a single carriageway any more than you...