Temporary relief for motorists as latest phase of bridge repairs on A35 route to New Forest, Redbridge Causeway, completed

MOTORISTS travelling on a key route which links the New Forest with Southampton have been given temporary reprieve after lane closures were lifted.

Hampshire County Council confirmed the current phase of works at Redbridge Causeway, which has seen closures on the A35 eastbound cause congestion and delays, has been completed.

As reported in the A&T, the work, which has been ongoing since January, is part of the final phase of a £25m refurbishment of the four concrete bridges which span the River Test.

A spokesperson for Hampshire County Council told the A&T: "The works, for which the most recent lane closures were required, have now been completed.

"This has allowed the cones to be temporarily removed to open up both lanes in to Southampton again until the next phase of works to the eastbound A35 bridges starts in mid-to-late April.

"The next phase, comprising re-waterproofing and resurfacing works, requires further lane closures and up to three full weekend closures, in June and July."

The spokesperson added that on completion of this phase of work at the end of July the closures will be lifted, but some further, short closures may still be required between July and the end of November.

The remaining work, due to be carried out between July and November, includes concrete repairs and the installation of cathodic protection – used to control the corrosion of a metal surface.

This work will take place beneath the bridges and is not anticipated to have any significant effect on A35 traffic, the spokesperson said.