Department of Transport provide £13million to improve access routes to Port of Southampton

The award follows an application by Hampshire County Council for the funds.

Hampshire Council are expected to commit a further £4million to the project, amounting to a total investment of £25million in the project.

The Departmental award ensures Phase 3 of this major refurbishment scheme can be completed.

Councillor Edward Heron, the County Council’s Executive Lead Member for Transport and Environment Strategy, said: “I am delighted that the Department for Transport (DfT) has looked favourably on our bid and committed this multi-million pound investment towards the cost of the major refurbishment works to these important bridges in south-west Hampshire.

“The A35 dual carriageway, which crosses the River Test at Redbridge Causeway (four bridges), carries in excess of 60,000 vehicles a day and is also an important route for pedestrians and cyclists, providing safe passage over the river, the Southampton to Romsey railway line, and Redbridge Road. It is also a key route which connects important economic hubs such as the City and Port of Southampton, and the Waterside area."

The Department of Transport announcement, part of the Levelling Up agenda, is contained among an investment package of £160 million, which will it is hoped bring £659 million in benefits.

The funds will benefit infrastructure projects in Southampton, Newcastle, Cornwall, Greater Manchester.

The Southampton portion of the funds are to improve connectivity and expansion to Southampton Port which is the UK’s most productive container port.

A statement from the Department of Transport said: “The finance will be used to provide essential maintenance to the A35 Redbridge Causeway – a vital link between New Forest, Southampton and its port – the scheme is estimated to be very high value for money and will generate almost £340 million worth of direct economic benefits through better connectivity, improved employment and housing opportunities and the expansion of the Port of Southampton.”

Roads Minister Baroness Vere added:  “We are committed to delivering world-class infrastructure across all parts of the country which supports local economies to thrive.

"These schemes also present yet another important stepping stone towards cutting emissions and building a clean, efficient road network that is truly accessible to all."

Source: The Business Magazine