Havant Footbridge Replacement

Supporting healthier lifestyle choices, making it safe and pleasant for all.

Last update: June 2026

Latest updates

Work to upgrade Havant’s ageing 79-year-old footbridge is set to begin later this year, following approval from Hampshire County Council. The current structure, which spans the railway, is showing increasing signs of deterioration and relies on temporary structural support to remain safe for use. 

The new, modern bridge will deliver significant improvements. It will be twice as wide as the existing structure and include gentler ramps to improve accessibility, providing more space for cyclists – who currently need to dismount – as well as wheelchair users, mobility scooter users, and those with prams or strollers. Please see the artistic visuals (MS Sway document).

Following approval of the project plans – and the recent confirmation of planning consent - the County Council will now work with contractors to develop a timetable for the replacement of the bridge. Main construction work is expected to begin in autumn 2026 and could take up to 12 months to complete. As the bridge sits above the railway line, some phases of the work can only be carried out when trains are not running to ensure a safe working environment, meaning progress will depend on access permissions from Network Rail. 

The project has been planned to minimise disruption; however, due to the limited space on site, its proximity to the railway, and the need to remove and install large metal structures, temporary diversions along nearby roads will be required for the duration of the works. 

Scheme overview

The Havant footbridge is an important traffic-free path for the public near Havant Station. The current bridge, built in the 1940s, is old and needs to be replaced because it is in poor condition and doesn't meet users' needs anymore.
The Havant footbridge is just north of Havant town centre. It runs north to south, crossing the railway west of Havant Station. 
Hampshire County Council is working closely with Havant Borough Council and Network Rail to make sure the new footbridge design meets all current standards and is cost effective.

Please see the location plan.

Current Footbridge:

  • Main span over the railway lines length: 26 metres;
  • Ramps total length: 158 metres;
  • Width: 1.85 metres (too narrow for shared pedestrians and cyclists use, cyclists being required to dismount).

New Footbridge:

  • Main span over the railway lines length: 26 metres and 4.0metres wide;
  • Ramps Width: 3.5 metres (wide enough to allow cycling);
  • Ramps: Gentler slope with resting areas;
  • Fits within existing land owned by Network Rail and Havant Borough Council (no need to buy extra land).

Approval to progress with contractor engagement for Stage 1 of the scheme was given at the Executive Lead Member for Universal Services Decision Day on 3 March 2025. Please read the Decision Report.

Scheme Benefits
  • Pedestrians: New stairs on both sides for a more direct route;
  • Cyclists: Can ride over the bridge without dismounting. Connects to local cycling routes (LCWIP routes 370 and 270);
  • Mobility Restricted Users: Gentler ramps with resting areas;
  • Station Users: More convenient for commuters and students. Expected increase in cycling trips with the new bridge and town centre redevelopment.

Connections:

  • North: Civic Centre Campus, Havant College, and Leigh Park (a large housing area);
  • South: Havant town centre, bus station, and Havant Park.
Funding Arrangements
Funding for the transport capital delivery schemes is separate from the County Council’s revenue budget and savings proposals. In the majority of cases funding comes from external grants and / or Section 106 contribution from developers. This funding usually has conditions that strictly control on how, where and when it can be spent.
Roadworks and Travel Advice

Visit Causeway one.network which is where the planned works are published and is an independent platform that allows real-time monitoring of all the UK’s roadworks and diversions.

My Journey - travel information and travel advice choices in Hampshire.

Contact us
Address
Universal Services
Hampshire County Council
The Castle
Winchester
SO23 8UD