1 week Ago
A major project to replace Southampton's Northam Rail Bridge has taken a step forward. Southampton City Council has appointed Network Rail to help develop the £75 million project. This follows the acceptance of a £1.
45 million grant from the Department for Transport (DfT) in September 2024. The council has been working with various partners, including National Highways and Network Rail, for several years to replace and enhance the ageing bridge. The DfT's funding will allow the council and Network Rail to develop the outline business case (OBC), which is crucial for securing further government funding to deliver the project.
The proposal, in partnership with Network Rail, includes replacing the existing rail bridge with two new two-lane highway bridges, new pedestrian and cycle facilities, improvements to the footbridge to St Mary's Stadium, and junction works. The project is a key part of the infrastructure pipeline needed for Southampton's economic growth, unlocking new development opportunities in Itchen Riverside and improving journey times and reliability for all transport modes between the city centre, eastern suburbs, and wider Hampshire area. The project is also expected to provide health benefits through improved air quality and enhanced pedestrian and cycle facilities, as well as increasing biodiversity through new planting and landscaping.
In the coming months, survey works on the railway, road, and bridge will begin to inform the proposals. These may include lane restrictions or closures in certain areas. Shanmukh Khanna, sponsor for Network Rail, said: "Network Rail are pleased to be working in partnership with Southampton City Council on this exciting and important scheme for the future development of the city, and especially in the confidence shown by the council in choosing us to help develop the outline business case.
"Network Rail brings experience and expertise in complex bridge structure scheme design, delivery and project management and we are looking forward to getting started." Councillor Eamonn Keogh, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: "While there are still many steps to go, we are working in partnership with Network Rail and our other stakeholders in progressing this vital enhancement on this key travel corridor.".
