M27 bridge report over fears of an 'environmental disaster' out in the autumn
A survey on a bridge which is feared could lead to an environmental disaster is expected to be back in September
A survey on a bridge which is feared could lead to an environmental disaster is expected to be back in September
National Highways has been asked to do a feasibility study about possible work on the M27 bridge over the River Hamble.
There have been concerns for years about water running off the motorway bridge straight into the river. The fear is that a petrol or diesel spill from an accident could lead to an environmentally devastating incident.
At a meeting with River Hamble Harbour Authority, National Highways said that the study results would be ready by September 2023.
However, the next meeting of the committee to discuss the issue would be December, which concerned Cllr Rod Cooper.
After this concern, the environment and development manager of the River Hamble, Alison Fowler, told the committee that when the papers come in, she will offer a verbal update to the members so they can know the content instantly.
The timeline set out at the meeting between National Highways and the river authority established that in the 2022/2023 financial year, Jacobs the contractor was instructed to undertake the feasibility study and costings.
The designs will be finalised in 2023/24 and construction is planned to begin in 2024/25.
At that meeting, officers of both sides also discussed the cost that Jacobs would undertake for the work for the M27 bridge.
This includes deck waterproofing, the strengthening of “abnormal loads”, transfer of drainage from the downpipes to the side of the bridge, with the installation of interceptors for outfalls, painting, and a potential replacement of the barriers (to be confirmed after corrosion investigation work).
The updates were announced on Friday (June 16) at the River Hamble harbour management committee.