Updated: There have been calls for better signage to warn drivers of larger vehicles about the possible pitfalls of driving over Woodmill Bridge after a spate of reported incidents.

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As locals and those passing through will know, Woodmill serves as a key route over the river. Many welcomed the ‘part-time’ traffic lights installed in 2020, at a cost thought to be around £250,000, to ease flow and even reduce possible road rage.

But delays are still caused by vehicles regularly getting stuck – one commenter on social media who said he previously worked at Woodmill claimed to have helped “probably near 100 stuck drivers” over a seven-year period.

The main issue appears to be that while there are 6'6" width restriction signs, these don’t warn drivers of longer vehicles about the very tight bends on the bridge.

Some have also said positioning of the width restriction signs means drivers aren't warned early enough not to proceed – although eastbound there is one at the start of Woodmill Lane at the crossroads by the Swaythling Working Mens Club, and more just after the turn-off to Wessex Lane.

If you miss those, then Oliver Road is the only escape point before the tight bridge

Heading west there are width restriction signs at the Manor Farm Road/Woodmill Lane roundabout, and more just after the Woodmill car park on the right – which anyway has a two-metre height restriction preventing higher vehicles turning. The ‘informal’ car park on the left towards the bridge has been inaccessible to any vehicles since around the start of September, and the area is still fenced off awaiting ‘Woodmill Bay’ landscaping.

The critical issue for many though is the absence of adequate signage warning of the tight bends on the bridge.

Width restriction signs by Wessex Lane

As another commenter on a local social media group put it: “All these vehicles becoming stuck within the bridge at Woodmill (most recently a coach) are a problem to many people, and this has been going on for decades. Why don't the council put signs up displaying 'S bend' and signs saying 'unsuitable for HGVs' it really isn't rocket science!

“Before people mention the signs that are already there, they are 'width limit' which means nothing to HGV drivers that isn't familiar to the area”.

A Southampton City Council spokesperson said the council would review the situation.

They told bitternepark.info: “We understand and appreciate the issue raised and the importance of ensuring road users are aware of the restriction at Woodmill Bridge. There are already clear warning signs on approach to the narrow section of Woodmill Lane at the junctions of Portswood Road and Wessex Lane on the western side and the roundabout with Manor Farm Road on the eastern side to alert drivers to the narrow lane.

"While this signage goes over and above the recommended signage for such a restriction and, as most HGVs and coaches have a width of over 8 feet, should provide sufficient notice for drivers of larger vehicles, we will review the situation to see if additional steps can be taken.”

Updated 4/12/25 with SCC comment