The very sad incident on 9 June is an issue for which I have been trying to find a workable solution for many years. With the increasing volume of traffic using Allington Lane, the collision risk at the railway bridge has also increased. The temporary traffic light solution, the last time the bridge parapet was damaged resolved the safety issue, but hindered the free flow of traffic. Even before this latest incident, I have been concerned about the impending yearlong Southern Water A27 roadworks causing greater use of Allington Lane as an alternative westbound route. Now however, something more positive must be done. I am aware that Network Rail have responsibility for the bridge, and I am also aware that around £250m has been earmarked for local transport infrastructure issues and that the Swaythling Railway bridge at Wide Lane is to be widened to improve traffic flows. I am asking that the Allington Lane Bridge also be considered within this same study. On a related matter, I have also been asking for a feasibility study at the roundabout that forms the junction between Allington Lane and Swaythling Road, as traffic flows are stifled at this point at both ends of the day.
We successfully fought off a planning appeal in Bubb lane concerning 328 dwellings and within weeks will know the Planning Inspector’s decision following the recent public inquiry for 620 dwellings north of Hedge End. I have just been advised that very soon, there will be another public inquiry regarding a planning appeal for 100 dwellings opposite the Ageas Bowl. Outline planning permission has been given for 998 dwellings near Burnetts Lane and Fir Tree lane could be opened up because of this, causing increased pressure on Allington Lane and that railway bridge. Once the M3 “Smart motorway” works are complete, the M27 will also experience several years of disruption. This is because it also will be converted to a “Smart motorway”. Therefore, you can see that traffic pressure will only increase over the next 10 years.
In the meantime, I will keep you posted as to what the authorities will be doing about the Allington Lane railway bridge.