Long-awaited works to repair a landslip causing traffic misery could take three months, the council said.

The collapse of a wall on a bridge on St Denys Road at the end of 2023 prompted a closure of one of two lanes.

Works have yet to start, but Southampton City Council has estimated it will take three months to complete.

The council is keen to reassure motorists and pedestrians the wall remains “unsafe but in a stable condition”.

A page dedicated to the repairs has been launched on the council’s website.

This follows the Echo’s coverage of the lack of work taking place at the site.

The partial collapse of the wall requires comprehensive rebuilding and very regular safety inspections.

These are being undertaken by the council and Network Rail.

(Image: Newsquest)

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

However, several discussions need to take place between both parties, Balfour Beatty, and Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks.

What is discussed is yet to come to fruition, but all parties are “working collaboratively to ensure that once site works commence, the work conducted by each team will be effectively scheduled and completed as safely and efficiently as possible”, SCC said.

Weekly design and planning meetings have been taking place since May of this year between all involved to ensure the project remains a priority.

A spokesperson for the council said: “The various teams and specialist contractors have been active in producing a solution that is close to being programmed for delivery.

“We have, however, had several challenges during the time that the site has been inactive.”

The challenges listed by the council include:

  • Confirming the exact position of a multitude of underground services.
  • Establishing the minimum possible duration of an eventual full road closure of the westbound carriageway while electricity cable diversion works take place.
  • Working through safe working methods for reconstruction next to high and low voltage mains on a restricted site.
  • Considering the effect of timing of works against other key schemes and traffic restrictions taking place in the city.
  • Recognition that there won’t be any other means to complete the works without localised electricity supply shut down for certain properties.

The council has recently come under fire for the slow-moving repairs.

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

Katherine Barbour, Green councillor for Portswood added: “Residents in St Denys are exasperated at the length of delay in resolving this issue.

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