WIREDGOV

Bridge will help slash congestion into and out of Portsmouth. 

Transport links into Portsmouth have been boosted thanks to a new £12.6 million Northern Road Bridge which was officially opened by Transport Minister Baroness Kramer on Thursday 10 April 2014.

The new bridge on the A397 will help slash congestion into and out of the city and ensure the route can be freely used by the many buses serving local communities.

It replaces the previous structure built in 1927, which had been restricted to one lane of traffic for safety reasons.

Transport Minister Baroness Kramer said:

I would like to congratulate everyone involved in the successful construction of the new Northern Bridge, which will boost access to Portsmouth as well as to the local shops, the hospital and police station at Cosham. We know the importance of strong transport links to local communities and businesses. That is why we have provided £11 million for this important scheme.

On her visit to the city the minister also officially opened the Tipner Park and Ride Interchange. The new facility plays a vital role in kick starting regeneration as well reducing congestion, with 6 buses running between the park and ride and city centre every hour.

The total cost of the new bridge is £12.62 million with a Department for Transport contribution of £11.09 million.

The total cost for the Tipner Park and Ride Interchange is £28.19 million with a Department for Transport contribution of £19.487 million.