By Jason Lewis, Local Democracy Reporter

The priorities for transport investment across Southampton in the coming years have been revealed by council leaders.

 

 

Dozens of schemes are included in the Connected Southampton Implementation Plan 2025-2028.

While much of the work on major initiatives focuses on the development of proposals, a phased process to close Bargate Street to create a large public realm area is expected to be part of the plans.

Further maintenance is planned for the Itchen Bridge, including the installation of safety fencing, before projects to celebrate its 50th birthday take place in 2027.

The council will also look to consult on delivering a red route – strict no stopping rules – along the Ring Road and St Mary’s Road, and submit the outline business case to the Department for Transport (DfT) for the Northam Rail Bridge.

If approved, the project, which requires between £75million and £100million of funding, could start construction in 2028 with a new dual carriageway bridge replacing the existing life-expired bridge.

Cllr Christie Lambert, cabinet member for transport, said: “This is an exciting time for transport in Southampton, and we are committed to working with our partners, local people, businesses and communities in making it easier and safer to get around Southampton by a range of travel choices.

“As part of our long-term transport strategy to 2040 that the council and its partners have been delivering on since adoption in 2019, we are excited to be laying out the next steps in achieving the vision to make Southampton a modern, liveable and sustainable place to live, work and visit by investing in better and more innovative transport.”

 The Northam Rail Bridge near St Mary's Stadium in Southampton. Photo: SCC

Schemes in the implementation plan that will be worked up in the coming years include the potential for Southampton Central Railway Station to have more trains, improving the route between the station and St Mary’s Stadium, known as Saints Mile, and a scheme to enhance East Street with new space for markets.

Further work will take place behind the scenes on projects like the Mass Rapid Transit network, a new interchange at Southampton Central Railway Station and increased train frequencies across the Solent.

In relation to buses, the aim is to invest in the Shirley Road corridor, launch Southampton’s first 24/7 bus services and roll out further bus priority at traffic light junctions.

The council is also set to continue its focus on supporting the school travel programme and delivering a connected cycle network.

Proposals in the plan align with the council’s seven ‘Big Ideas for 2040’ – the Southampton mass transit system, park & ride, a liveable city centre, active travel zones, a Southampton cycle network, a zero emission city and better connections.

First none come then there’s two at once! Two number 20 buses negotiate parked vehicles on lower Bond Road

These areas were first detailed in the local transport plan, which was adopted in 2019 to serve as the city’s long-term transport strategy.

Alongside the proposals, the council is set to develop a “pipeline” of transport strategies and plans over the next three years.

The implementation plan is designed to be externally funded, however, there is a “significant” shortfall in current grant funding levels from the DfT to achieve all the council is looking to do.

A council officer report said other financial sources will be needed, such as developer funding, government grants and allocations from the council’s capital funding.

Failure to secure the required money would see the number of schemes reduced and prioritised based on the funding available.

Over the last three years more than £37.7million was spent on delivering initiatives set out in the local transport plan in addition to the £57million Transforming Cities programme.

The implementation plan is set to be considered by cabinet members at a meeting on Tuesday, October 28, before going to full council next month.

Once formed next year, the Hampshire and Solent Mayoral County Combined Authority will be required to create a local transport plan to cover the whole region.

However, until this wider plan is adopted by the mayor and constituent highway authorities, the city council’s document remains the long-term transport strategy for Southampton.