Stunning new pictures reveal bold design for replacement Havant Railway Station footbridge as decay laid bare

The 77-year-old structure, located over the Havant railway station and built in 1947, has deteriorated significantly over the decades.

County council engineers report severe structural section loss, and temporary scaffolding has been in place since 2012. The northeast ramp was closed in 2022 due to safety concerns.

Although strengthening work was carried out in 2024, the bridge still “does not comply with current standards,” especially for shared pedestrian–cycle use.

Surveys carried out between 2015 and 2024 show that thousands of people use the bridge every day, including a growing number of cyclists, even though cycling is currently not allowed because the bridge is too narrow.

County engineers warn that doing nothing would force people onto busy main roads to cross the railway.

If approved, the existing bridge, including around 55 tonnes of steel, 105 tonnes of concrete and 335sqm of reinforced plastic roof sheeting, will be dismantled in large sections.

The new bridge will be built slightly to the west of the current one and will feature a four-metre-wide main span and 3.5 metres on the ramps, giving people more space and reduce the risk of collisions between walkers, cyclists, and wheelchair users.

Cyclists will be allowed to stay on their bikes, and new stairs on both sides will give pedestrians a quicker, more direct route.

The new ramps will be less steep and will include resting areas to help people with mobility needs. Lighting will also be improved, including lights built into the handrails and new light columns on nearby paths.

The project footprint will expand to 875 square metres, but no private homes or businesses will lose land.

The council is working with Network Rail and Havant Borough Council to finalise agreements for using space around the railway, park, and car park.

Following the approval of the planning application, work is scheduled to begin in autumn 2026 and conclude in summer 2027.

The bridge will then be closed for nine to 12 months during construction, with a signed diversion route in place for everyone who uses it.

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