What works are you carrying out on the bridge?
Our works prior to Christmas will focus on the carriageway and footpaths of the bridge, where we will be working on both sides, starting on the North (St Mary’s stadium) side.
We will be replacing the existing gullies and drains with combined new kerb drainage units along with new kerbs and waterproofing the bridge.
In the new year we will be focusing on renewing the structural joints along with re-surfacing the carriageway and footway as well as installing green high friction surfacing on the cycle lanes.
Work will also commence on the drainage system that is buried within the green embankments of the bridge.
Who will be carrying out the improvements?
Southampton’s Highway Service Partnership which is a partnership between Southampton City Council and Balfour Beatty Living Places along with specialist partners.
Why are you doing these works?
As a vital conduit into and out of the city we need to carry out this refurbishment to ensure that we extend the lifespan of the bridge to enable people to continue to use it.
The Itchen Bridge was opened 48 years ago, and has 19,000 vehicles cross it daily, and just like anything else it requires regular checks, and maintenance works to ensure that the structure is structurally sound and fit for purpose.
Why are you doing the works now?
There is never a good time to undertake road works, and we know that these works will be impactful, however by doing them now, we will be able to take advantage of the lower levels of traffic over the summer holiday while we ensure that we increase the lifespan of this arterial route.
How are these works funded?
These works have been funded by Southampton City Council from an allocated budget for the bridge.
When will the bridge maintenance work begin?
Work will start on Monday 11th August and will continue until mid-February 2026.
Will there be traffic lights on the bridge?
Yes, we will have traffic lights on the bridge from 11th August until late December, these will however only be on during weekdays off peak hours 9.30am-3pm, so that we can work in sections of one side of the bridge at a time. The bridge will be open at peak times.
To promote safety the speed limit will be reduced to 20mph during the works, over taking of cyclists will not be permitted in the areas of single lane running.
Will the bridge be closed?
The bridge will need to be closed 8pm to 6am weekdays, during this time pedestrians
will have access to one footway during the works, and cyclists will be able to continue to use the bridge.
Should a weeknight football match be in the diary then on these dates the bridge will remain open until 11pm to help fans make their way home.
What hours will you be working on the bridge?
We realise the impact of having the bridge closed will have for commuters, residents, businesses and others, and we have reviewed ways to undertake this work as safely and efficiently as possible while keeping the bridge passable for as long as possible each day.
We will be working on the bridge during the daytime and we will be working overnight on week days.
The bridge will be open to all traffic Monday-Friday, 6am-8pm, during the weekends the bridge will be open from 6am Saturday morning and then remain open throughout the weekend, there will be no night working on Saturday and Sunday.
The team will be working in sections along the bridge and during off peak times 9.30am-3pm week days, there will be temporary traffic lights on the bridge that will be manually controlled to ensure that traffic flows are successfully managed.
From 8pm-6am the bridge will be closed to vehicles.
Will the works be noisy?
There will be elements of noisy works, where possible, these works will be carried out
during the day and early evening.
What alternative routes can be used during improvement works?
Clearly marked diversion routes for cars and
large vehicles will be in place to facilitate movements around the city.
What impact will the scheme have on my journey time?
Travel times will be different, we would encourage people to plan their journeys and allow additional time to travel, please refer to local transport operators for any updates.
Will the cycle lanes still be usable?
Cycle lanes will remain open where safe to do so, however due to insufficient carriageway widths, lanes will not be usable directly adjacent to the works area and cyclists will merge with other vehicles.
To support cyclists the speed limit will be reduced to 20mph during the construction period.
Where appropriate ‘narrow lane, do not overtake cyclists’ signs will be used to encourage safer driving behaviours.
What about emergency access?
The emergency services are aware of this work and the timings of the closures, we will continue to work closely with the emergency services and have plans in place for emergency vehicles.
Will I be able to walk, scoot, cycle over the bridge?
You will be able to walk over bridge throughout our works.
Cyclists and Voi scooters will be able to use the bridge throughout our works, they may however find that carriageway widths are reduced adjacent to the works area and this will be clearly signed.