Southampton City Council has announced a temporary measure to help residents affected by planned overnight closures of the Itchen Bridge. Between Monday 20 July and Friday 24 July the bridge will be closed fully overnight for maintenance work, and the council says it will run the Bluestar N17 free of charge for people travelling between the city side and Woolston Centre stops during the restricted hours.
What is changing and when
The council has confirmed the following pattern for the week of works:
- Dates: Monday 20 July to Friday 24 July.
- Nightly closures: Bridge closed to vehicles from 8pm, and closed to all users (including pedestrians, cyclists and those wheeling) from 9pm until 6am the following day.
- Daytime operation: From 6am each day two-way traffic will be maintained, with occasional lane narrowing while works continue.
| Time | Restriction |
|---|---|
| 20:00 | Vehicle restriction begins |
| 21:00 | All users restricted (pedestrians, cyclists, people wheeling) |
| 06:00 | Bridge reopens with two-way traffic |
Who the free bus is for
The council has framed the free Bluestar N17 service as an alternative for those who would normally walk or cycle across the bridge at night. The free travel applies between the city side stop and the Woolston Centre stop in both directions during the overnight closure window. Council communications advise that other bus services operate outside the specified hours and passengers should check Bluestar's website for full timetables.
“For the duration of the full overnight closures of the Itchen Bridge between Monday 20 July and Friday 24 July, the Bluestar N17 will be free of charge,”
Cabinet member for transport Councillor Jacqui Rayment is quoted as stressing the importance of the maintenance work, saying it will help keep the bridge safe and reliable for everyone who uses it. The council also acknowledges the disruption the closures will cause for some residents, particularly those who regularly cross on foot or by bike, and has thanked the public for their patience.
Local impact and practical considerations
For many Southampton residents the Itchen Bridge is a daily route for commuting, leisure and access to services. The overnight full closures mean people who normally cross late at night will need to plan alternatives. The free Bluestar N17 provides a direct option for short journeys that would otherwise be made on foot or by cycle during the closure hours, but it will not cover all movements across the river outside the specified stops or times.
Residents who travel by car should expect normal vehicle restrictions from 8pm and should allow for possible lane narrowing in daylight hours while works continue. Anyone with specific accessibility needs, or who relies on other points of entry across the river, should consult Bluestar and Southampton City Council webpages for the latest travel advice and service information.
The council has indicated that carrying out these works in this way will allow the maintenance to be completed safely and help avoid longer disruptions later in the year. For those affected, planning journeys in advance and checking live service updates will be the simplest way to reduce inconvenience during the week of works.
