The new bridges will remove a major bottleneck in Southampton’s transport network.

Southampton City Council responds to Major Road Network funding update for Northam Rail Bridge

Southampton City Council is pleased to keep moving forward with the Outline Business Case for replacing and enhancing Northam Rail Bridge.

This comes after the Department for Transport confirmed on Thursday 26 March 2026 that the project is being retained as a priority for the Major Road Network (MRN) Programme.

The Northam Rail Bridge replacement and enhancement project aims to fully replace the bridge, which is reaching the end of its operational life, with two new bridges.

The new bridges will tackle persistent maintenance problems and remove a major bottleneck in Southampton’s transport network.

The scheme seeks to provide wider, safer paths for pedestrians and cyclists, priority for buses, and creating better and more accessible links to key destinations like St Mary’s Stadium, Itchen Riverside, and Old Northam Road.

By making travel across the city easier and supporting economic growth, this project is a key part of the Southampton Renaissance Vision and the city and wider area’s plans. 

Stephen Haynes, Executive Director Growth & Prosperity at Southampton City Council, commented: “We are delighted that the Northam Rail Bridge continues to be recognised as a priority for potential support from the Major Road Network.

Our engagement with local residents, businesses, and commuters revealed that 89% of participants are in favour of the plans, with 79% expecting a positive outcome.

This clearly demonstrates the bridge’s importance as a crucial connection for Southampton, underpinning everyday activities and the city’s ongoing development. We remain steadfast in our commitment to keeping this essential route open and accessible for all.” 

Paul McAleer, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail said: “We are pleased that the Northam Rail Bridge has been retained as a priority within the Major Road Network programme by DfT (Highways).

Network Rail is keen to continue to work as delivery partner with Southampton City Council to progress the scheme to OBC. 

This project is a strong example of how locally led, third-party investment can deliver mutual benefits for both the highway and the railway, while also helping to unlock further opportunities for future collaboration and the transformation of the local area.” 

The scheme still requires funding approval and Southampton City Council will continue to work in partnership with Network Rail, to prepare the Outline Business Case to be submitted in Summer 2026. 

Government announcement can be viewed at: Major renewal of ageing English roads delivered with £27 billion investment - GOV.UK 

For information on the Northam Rail Bridge Replacement project can be found here Northam Rail Bridge project 

https://www.southampton.gov.uk/northamrailbridge