Southampton City Council in partnership with delivery partner Network Rail are calling on local businesses, communities, public and commuters to support its bid for vital government funding to replace the ageing Northam Rail Bridge.

The 117-year-old structure, which is nearing the end of its operational life, is a critical link from the east of Southampton and beyond into the city centre. Replacing the bridge with new ones will not only resolve ongoing maintenance challenges but also unlock new opportunities for sustainable travel, economic regeneration, and improved connections.

Network Rail is contributing to and supporting the funding bid by collaborating with Southampton City Council to prepare the Outline Business Case for the proposed bridges, which will also enhance walking and cycling routes and support reliable public transport. The benefits of replacement include:

• Provide a long-term future for the bridge and removing a significant bottleneck in Southampton
• Enhanced walking and cycling routes to make sustainable travel easier and safer
• Upgraded and more reliable public transport connections
• Better air quality through reduced congestion and support for greener travel
• Improved local connections between communities and key destinations, including St Mary’s Stadium, Itchen Riverside, and Old Northam Road
• Resolution of existing maintenance issues with a modern, long-lasting structure
• Support for economic regeneration and growth in the surrounding area as outlined in the Southampton Renaissance Vision

To ensure the new bridge meets the needs of everyone, local residents and businesses are invited to engagement events to view potential improvements, ask questions, and provide feedback on the future of Northam Rail Bridge. All feedback gathered will be used to shape the plans and strengthen our case for funding.

Councillor Christie Lambert, Cabinet Member for Transport and Deputy Leader said: “Replacing the Northam Rail Bridge is a vital step towards ensuring the safety and connectivity of our city. This project will not only address long-standing maintenance issues but also create new opportunities for growth and development. We are committed to working closely with the community to make this vision a reality and urge everyone to get involved, share their views, and help us secure government support”

Paul McAleer, Principal Programme Sponsor, Network Rail Wessex Route said “We’re proud to be working as Southampton City Council’s delivery partner on this transformative project. Northam Rail Bridge sits at the heart of one of the UK’s most critical rail corridors, connecting Southampton to London, Bournemouth, Portsmouth, and beyond. Together, the council’s transformational vision and Network Rail’s engineering expertise, we can deliver a modern, resilient bridge that supports sustainable transport, economic growth, and long-term benefits for both road and rail users.”