Southampton's Northam Rail Bridge: Plans for replacement unveiled

An illustration showing what Northam Rail Bridge could look like

Plans to replace and expand a city centre road bridge, which spans a railway, have been unveiled.

Southampton City Council wants to replace Northam Rail Bridge, which currently carries the A3024 - a single lane road, with a dual carriageway.

The authority said it was working to secure funding for the project which is expected to cost up to £70m from central government.

If it goes ahead work could begin in 2025.

Northam Rail Bridge is currently a single carriageway bridge that carries the A3024 over the main railway into Southampton

As part of the scheme, the footbridge that runs from the road to St Mary's Stadium would also be replaced.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the junctions at either side of the bridge, near Britannia Road and Brinton's Road, would be upgraded "with better facilities" for buses and people walking and cycling.

Councillor Jeremy Moulton, deputy leader and cabinet member for growth, said the bridge "requires substantial investment to ensure that it is fit for the future and tackle this significant traffic pinch point".

A public consultation is expected to be held in 2022-23, the authority said.