The westbound lane of St Denys Road leading onto Thomas Lewis Way, which has been shut for around a year, was expected to be opened this afternoon (Dec 13)  by 3pm.

 

Workers put final railings into place next to the westbound lane on the railway bridge on Friday

The closure, caused by a landslip, has frustrated thousands of drivers navigating into Portswood, the city, and towards the M27.

Its reopening will bring a welcome sigh of relief.

The lane closure has caused long tailbacks, pollution from idling engines near the primary school, noise, and delays.

Pedestrians and cyclists have also faced challenges navigating closed pavements and cycle lanes, and more recently, crossing Thomas Lewis Way on the northern side of the crossroads without pedestrian crossing facilities.

When work started on October 5, some ten months after one westbound lane was closed to traffic, both eastbound lanes were also closed to vehicles, so drivers had to find alternative routes over the river - largely via Northam and Woodmill bridges.

Traffic queuing through St Denys on Friday (Dec 13) before the second westbound lane is opened

Work was originally intended to take three weeks, but the discovery of previously unknown cables meant the projected completion date was then rolled back until December 15.

Work also had to be coordinated between Network Rail, SSEN and the city council, as well as other contractors.

This afternoon there were queues through St Denys and often onto Cobden Bridge as workers completed a final section of railings on the St Denys Road railway bridge.

The westbound lane looked ready to open at around 3.20pm - once work vehicles were removed.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the support given to this much needed project and fully appreciate the patience and understanding of all the residents and users of this road. 2/2 @SouthamptonCC

— Southampton Travel (@scchighways) December 13, 2024