The Government has announced this morning that funding for schemes to replace the failing Northam Rail Bridge and to improve the A326 Marchwood Bypass corridor have been approved.
Both schemes have now been given the green light to progress as part of the Department for Transport’s third Road Investment Strategy and Major Road Network review, published today. Heidi Alexander, Secretary of state for Transport, gave a statement to the House of Commons this morning, announcing the strategy and setting out details.
The scheme at Northam Rail Bridge will see provision of a new, widened, replacement bridge on the A3024 corridor in Southampton, and the A326 scheme will see improvements made to the Marchwood Bypass corridor, connecting into the M27 at Junction 2 and serving the Waterside area of the New Forest.
It has also been announced that plans to develop M27 Junction 3, improving access to the Port of Southampton, have been progressed and will be explored as part of the next Road Investment Strategy.
Satvir Kaur MP, Member of Parliament for Southampton Test, Darren Paffey MP, Member of Parliament for Southampton Itchen, and Councillor Alex Winning, Leader of Southampton City Council, have all welcomed the news.
Satvir Kaur MP said:
“Everyone should welcome this additional government investment in Southampton roads, announced today. This much needed funding helps us deliver two key projects that I’ve been working on for years, first as Council Leader and now as a Member of Parliament.
“All of us have heard the concerns around Northam Rail Bridge being on the brink if something isn’t done to fix it. This investment not only enables us to continue to use the bridge, but ensures we can regenerate the area around St Mary’s Football Club to make it more attractive and welcoming.
“The additional funding for the A326 is also very welcome. It helps deliver on existing plans to expand the port and redirect some port traffic that currently comes through our city. Good news for the port and local residents.
“This funding has been hard fought for by many. Calls for it were ignored by the previous government but have been heard by this Labour Government, which is investing in roads, creating local jobs, and allowing places like Southampton to reach our potential.”
Darren Paffey MP said:
“This is a transformative investment for road users in Southampton and its importance, just a short distance from the UK’s busiest export port, cannot be understated. Replacing the century-old and deteriorating existing Northam Rail bridge with a new widened replacement will help address the bottlenecks on a key road corridor that are all-too-familiar to drivers and passengers in the city. But this is about more than just the day-to-day experience of road users in our city. As part of one of the city’s strategically key road corridors, improving this critical bit of infrastructure will be vital for promoting continued economic growth and greater connectivity in Southampton and wider region. Satvir and I were keen to add our backing to the huge public and local political support for this project and I’m really pleased that it can now be taken forward thanks to investment from this Labour government.”
“I’m also pleased to see progress with other projects to improve road access to the city and port, and will continue working with Satvir and local councillors to continue to make the case for these crucial investments.”
Councillor Alex Winning said:
“This is fantastic news for Southampton and the wider South Hampshire area. A new, widened Northam Rail Bridge on the A3024 and major upgrades to the A326 Waterside corridor will strengthen two of our most important routes, making everyday journeys safer, smoother and more reliable.
“These improvements will support local jobs, help businesses grow and create better connections for the communities who rely on these roads every day. It’s a real vote of confidence in our region, and we look forward to working with partners to bring these benefits to residents as quickly as possible.”