Network Rail has said it’s sorry for any inconvenience caused by the lane closure on St Denys Road, which is now listed as potentially lasting until August 2.
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The closure, on the westbound approach to Thomas Lewis Way has been causing headaches for many since before the start of 2024.
According to Portswood councillor John Savage (Lab), “major subsidence occurred around 10 December”.
As a result of the ongoing closure motorists are being delayed, pedestrians and cyclists inconvenienced, and residents are suffering queues of often idling cars through St Denys and often beyond.
Now the possible ending to the lane closure has been put back on one.network, where the council lists traffic disruptions, from March 29 to August 2. Network Rail is cited as being responsible for the “road event” on the website.
If it does take that long, it will have been over seven months to resolve the issue.
In a social media ‘update’ post over the weekend, Portswood councillor Cllr Katherine Barbour (Green) said: “I contacted SCC yesterday and the latest update is that SCC is doing all they can to resolve this issue with Network Rail and Scottish and Southern Electricity. It is at a delicate stage of this issue and hopefully we can give you an update in the very near future.”
Cars queuing on Cobden Bridge, photographed on March 27
City council transport cabinet member Eamonn Keogh (Lab) didn’t respond to a request for a further update by publication, but last month told us: “The city council is working to support network rail and pursuing all options to complete these repairs as soon as possible, but this is a network rail asset and therefore their responsibility to repair”.
A Network Rail spokesperson told bitternepark.info: “Network Rail has been engaging with Southampton City Council (SCC) regarding ownership and liability for the retaining wall on the bridge, which was first constructed in the 1830s, at St Denys Road.
“Discussions have also taken place with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) regarding the cabling sited at the bridge.
“We are committed to finding a pragmatic solution with the Council, and are currently waiting for them and SSEN to agree to the interim management of their utility network. Once this has been confirmed, we will be able to confirm a programme of works for the bridge.
“We are sorry for any inconvenience this has caused and we are grateful to residents affected by the road closure for their patience and understanding during this time.”