St Denys Road traffic misery continues after landslip

One lane of St Denys Road, on a bridge near the key junction with Thomas Lewis Way, has been closed to motorists since the end of 2023 following the collapse of a wall.

Southampton City Council promised the works would commence this summer, yet with September fast approaching the road remains untouched.

The authority's approach to the incident has been branded unacceptable by a commuter who frequently uses the road.

“Everyone is sick to their teeth with the closure and no works”, said Carole Dennis.

The landslip on St Denys Road collapsed into the shared garden of a block of flats (Image: Newsquest)

Ms Dennis, 54, has lived in Bitterne Park for more than 30 years and has never experienced delays like those currently impacting the area, saying it is "unfair" on those who live in the area.

She said: “I use St Denys Road to access Thomas Lewis Way when I go to Eastleigh.

“I usually hit the road at rush hour and the traffic is hell on Earth. Sometimes the queue tails back along Cobden Bridge.

“This is one of the main roads through Bitterne to get to the hospital, but no one can get through. This could be the difference between life and death.”

READ MORE: 'Unsafe' landslip outside man's front door not fixed for months

Her concerns are echoed by Katherine Barbour, Green councillor for Portswood.

Cllr Barbour said she is hopeful the works will be undertaken before Christmas, and she has been contacting the relevant team about the repairs every week.

She said: “Residents in St Denys are exasperated at the length of delay in resolving this issue.

“Coming so soon after roadworks by Thomas Lewis Way residents were hoping for some free flow of traffic.

“Instead, the bridge collapse has led to long delays at peak times and getting into and out of St Denys has become very difficult.

“The city council will be taking on the maintenance contract after this repair is completed.”

Traffic on St Denys Road (Image: Definitelyblurred photography)

The council has described the repairs as a “very challenging” engineering project.

It has involved discussions with Balfour Beatty Living Places, Network Rail and Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks to overcome the challenges presented by fixing the wall.

An update on the start date of the repairs is due to be provided in the coming weeks.

A spokesperson from the council said: “We have been undertaking regular safety inspections alongside Network Rail to ensure the ongoing stability of the wall and are currently looking at the impact of a localised electricity shut down to enable the works and the timing of the works against other key schemes and traffic restrictions taking place.

“We would like to thank people for their patience during this complex project.”

Network Rail have been approached for comment.