Havant Footbridge Replacement

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Last update: October 2026

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Footbridge Demolition

Hampshire County Council has appointed GRAHAM to carry out the replacement of the Havant Footbridge. As planned, our contractor, GRAHAM, started work on site on 28 September 2026. You may have seen that fencing has now been installed to establish the contractor's compound and working areas. 

A major crane operation to remove Havant's existing 79-year-old footbridge is due to take place next week as part of plans to replace the ageing structure with a modern, more accessible crossing. 

The bridge, which spans the railway line, is showing increasing signs of deterioration and currently relies on temporary structural support to remain safe for use. Its removal, scheduled between Monday 26 and Thursday 29 October 2026, will be one of the most significant and visible stages of the project.

Two large cranes will be brought on site on Monday 26 October to dismantle and remove the 185-metre-long bridge and connecting ramps in a series of planned lifts. The main crane, with a vertical lifting capacity of 650 tonnes, will be positioned in the station forecourt, while a second crane, with a lifting capacity of 150 tonnes, will operate from Elmleigh Road Car Park to remove sections of the bridge on the north side of the railway. Engineers will remove the bridge in sections, with each section weighing up to 50 tonnes - equivalent to around three double decker buses.

These works will be carried out alongside Network Rail’s activities associated with the Havant re-signalling programme in adjacent areas. Further information about Network Rail’s planned railway closures can be found on the Network Rail website.

Crane access and temporary traffic restrictions

The main 650-tonne crane and three supporting vehicles will access the southern station forecourt via the level crossing and Prince George Street. Short, intermittent closures of Prince George Street will be required between approximately 4am and 7.30am on Monday 26 October to allow the vehicles to pass safely. Access will be maintained for residents, local businesses and emergency services.

A Temporary Traffic Regulation Notice will be in place covering the temporary closure of Prince George Street and the temporary suspension of the disabled persons’ parking place and limited waiting parking place at its southern end.

The exact timing of lifting operations will be dependent on weather conditions, particularly wind speeds, to ensure the works can be undertaken safely.

 Changes to parking and taxi facilities

There will be changes to the parking, drop-off and taxi rank arrangements at Havant Railway Station. The plan (MS Sway) shows the revised arrangements, including the locations of the taxi rank and designated parking and drop-off areas.

Scheme Delivery and FAQs
The project is expected to take up to 12 months to complete. As the bridge crosses the railway line, some stages of the work can only be carried out when trains are not running to ensure a safe working environment. This means progress will depend on access permissions provided by Network Rail.

A signed pedestrian and cycle diversion route will be in place from 28 September 2026 until the completion of the scheme. This will provide a safe alternative route for pedestrians travelling to and from the railway station while the footbridge is closed. As journeys may take longer than usual, we encourage pedestrians to allow additional time when travelling to the station and other local destinations. View the diversion route plan (MS Sway).

The footbridge is an important link between Havant town centre, the railway station, Havant Park and communities north of the railway line. The new, modern bridge will provide a wider, safer and fully accessible route, making it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle between these areas while supporting investment in the town centre. Please see the artistic visuals (MS Sway).

Every effort has been made to minimise disruption. However, due to the restricted space available on site, the bridge's proximity to the railway, and the need to remove and install large steel structures, temporary diversions will be required during certain phases of the works.

Please read the Frequently Asked Questions (MS Sway).

Early works for the scheme were completed in September 2026 ahead of the main construction phase later in the year. This included removing six trees needed for the new footbridge and cutting back vegetation around the existing footbridge behind nearby properties. An ecologist was present and checked the area for nesting birds.

Removing trees is always a last resort and only takes place after all other options have been considered. In this case, the trees needed to be removed to allow the scheme to progress. Two of the trees were on Network Rail land, while the other four were in Havant Park. We understand these trees were valued by the local community and they will be replaced as part of the scheme's landscaping and planting programme.

Scheme Overview and Benefits

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).
  • 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.

Approval to progress with contractor engagement for Stage 1 & 2 of the scheme was given at the Executive Lead Member for Universal Services Decision Day:

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.

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Universal Services
Hampshire County Council
The Castle
Winchester
SO23 8UD