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You are here:home > Environment > Roads and parking > Traffic Management > Weight and width limits

Weight and width limits

weight

Environmental Weight Limits

Weight limits are applied to vehicles which, when fully loaded, weigh more than 7.5 tonnes.

Vehicles requiring access are exempt from the restriction, e.g a van making a delivery to a property within the restricted area.

Most commercial vehicles operating within the city are under 7.5 tonnes. Vehicles exceeding this weight can be recognised by the requirement for rear markings.

Vehicle Safety Chevron

Structural Weight Limits

Structural weight limits prohibit All vehicles over the stated weight. These limits are to protect a structure e.g. a weak bridge.

Northam Road Railway Bridge 7.5 tonne weight restriction.

As of April 2011, Northam Road Railway Bridge will be closed to vehicles in excess of 7.5 tonnes. With the exception of buses, all vehicles in excess of 7.5 tonnes must use the appropriate diversion routes avoiding the bridge. These routes will be clearly signposted at the appropriate junctions, allowing drivers more than one opportunity to take the recommended diversion routes.

Why are these restrictions being introduced?
The weight restrictions are being introduced as a means of preserving the structural integrity of the bridge. Network Rail, (who own and maintain the bridge), has expressed concerns over its continuing capacity to support such large numbers of heavy vehicles. By diverting the majority of HGVs via alternative routes, it will be possible to prolong the effective life to the structure, until such time as a more permanent solution can be found. A similar system has been in place successfully on Hammersmith Bridge in London for many years.

Diversion Routes
The recommended diversion routes will direct drivers approaching the bridge from the direction of the city centre via Kingsway, Terminus Terrace and Marine Parade, as indicated on the plan below. Vehicles travelling towards the city centre will be directed via Britannia Road, Marine Parade and Canute Road.

The signs will be in symbolic format, so they can be universally understood by all drivers. Failure to comply with the restrictions could lead to a fine for the driver, although no penalty points will be imposed for failure to observe the restrictions. If drivers continue to ignore the weight restrictions, the structure could become permanently damaged. This could lead to the bridge being closed to all vehicles, and would have a major knock on effect on traffic across the city.

About Northam Road Railway Bridge

Some important facts and figures

• The A3024 Northam Road is an important route into and out of the city centre.
• The road is heavily trafficked, and is used by in excess of 23,000 vehicles per day, approximately 8% of which are HGVs.
• Connects the city centre with the football stadium.
• Britannia road is closed on the days when Southampton Football Club is playing a home match. This is part of the recommended diversion route, however, alternative routes are available and will be clearly signed in order to aim drivers.

Width Limits

Width limits are generally introduced where physical constraints of the road make it difficult for wide vehicles to access.

ONLY THE POLICE HAVE POWERS TO ENFORCE WEIGHT AND WIDTH RESTRICTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are these restrictions being introduced?

The weight restrictions are being introduced as a means of preserving the structural integrity of the bridge. Network Rail, (which owns and maintains the bridge) has expressed concerns over its continued capacity to support such large numbers of heavy goods vehicles. By diverting HGVs via alternative routes, it will be possible to prolong the effective life of the structure, until such time as a more permanent solution can be found. With around 1800-2000 HGVs currently using the bridge daily, the diversion can relieve a huge amount of the strain being placed on the structure. A similar system has been in place successfully on Hammersmith Bridge in London for many years.

2. How will the restrictions be enforced?

From the outset there will be no physical restrictions imposed on the bridge in the forms of barriers, bollards etc. The initial success of the scheme will be based purely on the effectiveness of the diversion signs. We will be working alongside the police to monitor traffic levels across the bridge, and gauge the success of the signing through vehicle movements. The police will be able to issue on the spot fines to drivers who do not observe the diversion routes, however, they will not issue penalty points.

3. How long will the restrictions be in place?

The weight restrictions will remain in place for an indefinite period, until such time as the bridge can be sufficiently strengthened or repaired to the point where it can once again support high numbers of heavy goods vehicles.

4. Is the bridge structurally safe?

Please be assured that the bridge is safe and structurally sound, for the time being at least. It is certainly in no imminent danger of collapse. However, the bridge was not designed to withstand such high volumes of heavy vehicles when it was built, and has consequently failed assessment to current standards. Network Rail has indicated that if traffic levels were to remain as they currently are the structure could become weakened to the point where it becomes unsafe. Redirecting the majority of heavy vehicles via a short diversion route will prolong the lifespan of the bridge, without resorting to the need for closure along such a strategically important route within the city.

Restrictions are to be imposed as the bridge has failed assessment to current standards; this is partly due to condition, (but also due to increased traffic/vehicle weights). The bridge is owned and maintained by Network Rail, and they will be investigating options for the long term future of the bridge. Network Rail has agreed to licensed exemptions for buses and fire-engines to the restriction; any other vehicles which exceed the 7.5T and use the bridge may be liable to prosecution and fines.

5. Why aren’t repairs being carried out immediately?

The bridge is owned and maintained by network rail, and they are currently assessing the options for its long term future. In the meantime it is important that the bridge is to remain accessible to the majority of vehicles, as it is such a busy route into and out of the city centre. This is particularly relevant whilst the improvement works are underway on the Itchen Bridge and Central Bridge.

6. How will public transport and the emergency services be affected by the restrictions?

Buses and the emergency services will be exempt from the restrictions, so can continue to use the bridge as normal.

7. Where can I find out any further information?

If you require any further information relating to these weight restrictions please email southampton.highways@bbworkplace.com or telephone: 023 8038 8000

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