Southampton council proposed £100m plan to replace aging Northam Rail Bridge with two new structures

A city council has unveiled plans to replace a 117-year-old road bridge in Southampton with two newly built structures. Officials say the existing Northam Rail Bridge, a single-lane crossing on the A3024, is approaching the end of its operational life and needs to be removed.

The proposed £100m project is intended to solve long-standing maintenance problems and improve traffic flow across the city. If approved, construction would take around three years, with completion targeted for the winter of 2030.

The bridge serves as an important connection to the eastern part of the city center, but because it has only one lane, vehicles from two lanes in each direction must merge before crossing the railway, leading to significant traffic congestion during busy periods.

Under the proposal, a new bridge would first be constructed to the north of the current one, allowing traffic to continue using the old structure. Once the new bridge is ready, vehicles would be diverted onto it so the ageing bridge can be demolished and replaced.

When both replacement bridges are finished, the northern one would carry two eastbound lanes, while the southern bridge would accommodate two westbound lanes along with a dedicated bus lane. The plans also include separate pathways for cyclists and pedestrians, plus upgrades to Brinton’s Road and Britannia Road junctions.

The council aims to keep traffic moving along the route throughout construction. An online survey is now open to gather public views and bolster the case for funding. A series of engagement events will also take place this month, giving people the chance to learn more about the project and offer feedback. The council expects to submit its outline business case to the Department for Transport in spring 2026, followed by a planning application and any required updates.