What is happening?
At present there are traffic restrictions in the area due to the retaining wall having suffered a partial collapse. This wall supports the approach to the road-over-rail bridge. The wall requires a comprehensive rebuild and very regular safety inspections, which are occurring by both the City Council and Network Rail.
All parties are working collaboratively to ensure that once site works commence, the work conducted by each team will be effectively scheduled and completed as safely and efficiently as possible. Weekly design and planning meetings have been taking place since May of this year between all parties to ensure the project remains a priority.
How has this happened?
The land around the bridge has suffered a landslip, meaning that the structure doesn’t have the strength that it should have. The structure has been carefully monitored throughout this planning process to ensure its stability and suitability during this time.
Why has this taken so long to sort it out?
The project is complex; not only does it involve many partners, but it has also required the acquisition of land so that the work can take place, factored with the need to retain the services within the road (Electricity, Fibre Optic (broadband), Gas, telephone etc). Due to the positioning of these cables we have had to carefully plan what is the safest approach to take, that will causethe least disruption to the community.
Why are you doing the work now?
Work on the bridge has been long awaited, and due to the land slippage it has been decided that this imperative work would take place as soon as it was viable and that all parties and statutory notices were in place, and then mobilisation would be enabled. We recognise the inconvenience that the current situation is causing and as we head into autumn, renowned for wet weather, we as a partnership want to secure the foundations to ensure that the bridge is fully supported. We appreciate that the road closure is going to cause delays, it is however necessary for the workforce to be kept safe along with the public as these intrusive works are taking place.
Why aren’t you working 24 hours a day?
Some of these necessary works are noisy and due to the topography of the road, as well as adjacent railway, this noise would have a detrimental impact on nearby homes. The work requires a specialist skill set to undertake, and they would not be able to work for 24 hours at a time.
Why are you closing the road?
A road closure is required to enable the team to remove the electric cables and reinstall them into the carriageway, which will require an excavated trench within the carriageway to place the ducting and cables into. It will not be possible to allow traffic to drive over this.
Why is the diversion the way it is?
The diversion route has been designed so that Cobden Bridge is not overwhelmed or would cause it to be at a standstill, whilst ensuring that people can access a plethora of road networks that will take them in multiple directions from Bitterne Park Triangle to the city or towards the M27, Portswood, etc.
What about the emergency services, do they know?
Rest assured we have liaised with the emergency services, and they are all aware, and will place these diversion details into their systems to.
Will I be able to walk, cycle, scoot during the closure?
Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the closure in both directions, cyclists and scooters will be encouraged to dismount when using the pedestrian walkway, as it will only be possible to use the side that is open.
How long will this all take?
The closure will be on for a total of 3 weeks. The first week will be to facilitate the moving of the electricity, this will then be followed by the works by Network Rail.
Who is doing the works?
The works are being carried out by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) and Network Rail; they have instructed their specialist supply chain to undertake elements of the works too.
How can I find out more?
We have a website that we will keep updated which is linked below or by scanning the QR code. A copy of the letter sent by SSEN and this page will be added to the site also.
What is happening with bus routes?
You can find out any changes to the routes via the bus operator Bluestar here, or by visiting their webpage http://https://www.bluestarbus.co.uk/service-updates.
More specific information on the Bluestar 20, U6, and U9 is available here: Upcoming diversions to affect Bluestar 20, U6, U9 - Bluestar (bluestarbus.co.uk)