SCORCHING temperatures in Southampton yesterday melted the surface of the Cobden Bridge for the second time this year.

As the mercury soared to 29C (84F) the road across the bridge near Bitterne Park turned into a sticky mess.

Council contractors were forced to dust the bridge with grit.

It comes just two months after a heatwave turned the bridge surface into black glue when road temperatures were believed to have reached 70C (158F).

The council said the latest melting episode was a result of a water-based solvent being put on the road to remove “excessive” bitumen binder ahead of planned repairs in two weeks.