Popular coastal path behind Farlington Marshes set to close for three months while sea defences are repaired

A popular coastal path is to close for more than three months while essential sea wall maintenance works is carried out to repair damage caused by coastal erosion.

The public footpath and cycle route which runs along the top of Farlington Marshes, known as the Langstone Coastal Path, will be closed from tomorrow (Tuesday, May 26) until September 2026 with a diversion in place along the top Eastern Road an Havant Road.

The closure is being put in place by National Highways, which owns the land alongside the A27 Havant Bypass and the lower section of the A3(M), and carrying out the much-needed repairs to the sea wall that protects the area.

Pedestrian access will still be possible at the western entrance of Farlington Marshes, but the coastal path between Farlington Marshes Car Park off the Eastern Road roundabout, and Chalk Dock Lake Car Park off Harts Farm Way, Havant will be closed. Chalk Dock Lake Car Park will also be closed to the public for the duration of the works.

Katarina Saradinova, head of scheme delivery for the South East region, said: “This is a beautiful location, and our work will help protect the coastline, wildlife and surrounding environment for future generations.

“We understand the diversion route will lead visitors away from the scenic nature reserve, but these closures are essential to allow repairs to the sea wall, damaged by coastal erosion, to be carried out safely. Unauthorised access could also disrupt the construction schedule.”

National Highways said it will be repairing and strengthening large sections of the sea wall damaged by coastal erosion and threaten to undermine the coastal path.

Protective tracking mats will be laid to protect the local environment and footpath as it carries out the work. Plant vehicles will have long reach arms to ensure all vehicles can remain working from the footpath to protect the coastal environment at the base of the sea wall.

It also said it has worked closely with Coastal Partners to schedule these works in a way that minimises disruption to local wildlife and habitats - this includes the timing of when they will be carried out.

It explained that because Farlington Marshes is an environmentally important site for overwintering birds, construction had to be planned during the summer months to help avoid disturbance during the nesting period.

This summer’s works follow emergency works carried out in 2021, but the new measures will be a more substantial, longer-term repair of the sea wall, designed to protect the native reserve for years to come.

For details of the footpath diversion route, visit the National Highways website. You can also follow its regional X account, @HighwaysSEAST for updates.