Itchen Bridge Maintenance Nears Completion of First Phase Amid Unforeseen Delays

The first phase of the Itchen Bridge Maintenance Project is nearing completion, marking significant progress in essential improvement works on one of Southampton’s key transport links.

The project’s opening stage has focused on replacing the drainage system along the northern footway of the bridge. Once complete, this phase will have delivered extensive upgrades, including the replacement of around 800 metres of kerb stones, installation of new drainage kerbs, the removal and re-laying of over 2,000 square metres of footway, and the application of a waterproof coating to improve long-term durability and drainage efficiency.

However, the works have taken longer than originally planned following the discovery of an uncharted, live fibre optic cable beneath the surface. This unexpected find required a redesign of part of the footway and the sourcing of alternative materials at short notice to ensure the project could safely continue.

The council has confirmed that the revised programme will now see a second phase of drainage works continue where the bridge meets the land on either side until Thursday 18 December 2025. During this period, the road will remain fully open, although the northern footway will stay closed.

Once this second phase is complete, attention will turn to the southern footway. However, due to the delay caused by the fibre optic cable and the need for consistent temperatures above five degrees Celsius for the waterproofing materials to cure properly, all works will pause during January and February 2026.

During this winter pause, both the road and footways will be fully open to the public, though the 20mph speed limit will remain in place because road markings will not yet be reinstated.

Work is expected to resume in March 2026 with phase three, which will focus on the southern footway drainage system. This phase will involve similar traffic management arrangements to those currently in place on the northern side and will depend on weather conditions. The project’s long-term goal, including the installation of new safety fencing later in 2026, remains on track.

Councillor Christie Lambert, Cabinet Member for Transport, praised the teams involved and thanked residents for their patience during the ongoing works. She said:

“I would like to thank local people and users of the Itchen Bridge for their patience and understanding while we re-jig the maintenance programme to address the issues that have arisen.

“Our teams are working hard to complete this phase of the project and we aim to minimise any potential disruption resulting from the changes to the programme as the scheme progresses.”

The council has said it will continue to provide regular updates as the project moves into its next phases in early 2026.