I'm very aware that the works on the Redbridge bridges have been causing much inconvenience for those who travel across it and also access Southampton via the Redbridge roundabout.
I'm really sorry for the delays, so I've been to take a look at the works and see why they are necessary.
Work is progressing well to complete the refurbishment of the Redbridge Causeway bridges, which vary in age from 50 to 90 years, to ensure they remain fit and strong for the next 30 years.
The structures carry around 60,000 vehicles in and out of Southampton over Test Lane, the railway and the River Test on a regular day and the harsh marine environment has accelerated deterioration of the concrete bridges which hold the A35.
In the third and final phase of this challenging £25 million engineering scheme, engineers are working to steadily remove and repair defective concrete under the eastbound bridges and to replace the southern parapet on the Redbridge Viaduct.
Much of the work to the parapet is taking place behind the concrete crash barrier and beneath the Redbridge Viaduct away from view.
As you can see from the photos, there is severe deterioration of the bridge structure in places. (That's not neon-coloured graffiti, it's highlighting the areas to be replaced.)
The work the team is doing not only repairs this but also places a cathodic system in place to extend the life of the repaired structures for decades to come.
NB The previously planned 24/7 full weekend closures are no longer required. However, there is still a need for lane closures on the next three Sundays: 23 October, 30 October and 6 November, during the day-time only
For more information about the scheme see:
https://www.hants.gov.uk/.../transpo.../a35essentialworks...