Herald - Issue 414

Page 62 • The HERALD • 28th October 2021 v THE HERALD - INDEPENDENT AND PROUD OF IT v 0800 028 7878 • 07866 041192 www.chipsaway.co.uk THIRD PHASE OF A35 REDBRIDGE CAUSEWAY REFURBISHMENT PROJECT GIVEN THE GREEN LIGHT Plans for the £13.82 million third phase of the A35 Redbridge Causeway refurbishment project have been given the green light by Hampshire County Council. Approval was given by Councillor Rob Humby, Deputy Leader of Hampshire County Council, and Executive Lead Member for Economy, Transport and Environment, at a public meeting held on 23rd September. Councillor Rob Humby, the County Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Lead Member for Economy, Transport and the Environment, said: “This is a major scheme requiring engineers to co-ordinate the many necessary elements needed to repair the various Causeway structures.This element of the scheme involves critical maintenance in the form of significant concrete repairs, protection of the metal reinforcement within the structure from corrosion under water, structural waterproofing and resurfacing of the bridges on the eastbound carriageway leading into Southampton. Our contractor, Milestone Infrastructure, is progressing well on the repairs to the underside of Redbridge Viaduct whilst working under tidal conditions and in line with the latest Government guidance for construction with regards to COVID-19 safety. I am pleased to agree the plans which will take us closer to completion of the wider project to refurbish all four structures carrying the A35 Redbridge Causeway, which was started in 2018.” A successful bid to the Department for Transport for £11.42 million is covering the cost of the majority of these works with the remaining £2.4 million being funded from the County Council’s Structural Maintenance budget. e A35 dual carriageway over 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 Test, the Southampton to Romsey railway line, and Redbridge Road. It is a vital link between the New Forest waterside area, the city of Southampton and other key routes. It also a key route which connects important economic hubs such as the Port of Southampton. It is anticipated that construction of the third phase will take 18 months and commence immediately a er the current works are completed in November. Councillor Humby added: “Traffic management in the form of temporary lane and full road closures of the A35 will be required for some elements of the third phase. However, these will be kept to a minimum - the bulk of the work being carried out under the bridges. Closures of Test Lane and Redbridge Road will also be required to complete the works on Redbridge Road bridge.” For more information visit the scheme web pages: A35 Road and Bridge Essential Works (Redbridge Viaduct), Transport and roads at: www.hants.gov.uk Between November 2017 and February 2018 the rst phase of works saw the replacement of 21 carriageway joints on the Redbridge Viaduct and in January 2020 work started to move the gas main, which currently lies beneath the concrete structure, to eliminate the risk of having to work around it while undertaking repairs to the bridges and to make it more easily accessible should there be a need for any future repairs to the gas pipework. ese gas works are due to be completed in November 2021. Totton South U3A group are o ering a varied programme at their 3rd Friday afternoon of the month general meetings at Colbury Memorial Hall including speakers. On Friday 19th November for ‘ e Weather’ by a television weather presenter! Followed on Friday 17th December for Entertainment: ‘ e Madding Crowd’ - The meeting arrangements will be provided nearer the date. Visitors are welcome for a nominal charge as a preview to joining TSU3A Anyone who has retired from full-time employment is welcome, further information is available on the web or by calling: 07305 178402. The Weather