Petersfield Road Bridge

History

The line was authorised in Parliament in 1897 and opened in June 1903. The line had proved difficult to build due to the general ground conditions. The geology of the area is chalk making concreting the line very challenging. The line ran through a sparsely populated area therefore was never busy with passengers. The bulk of the traffic came from shipping agricultural produce.

During the First World War, the Meon Valley Line was used for troop trains carrying soldiers who were bound for the docks ready to sail to France. It served the same use again in WW2 where the line had a spell of intensive use in the build-up to D-Day, transporting both men and equipment – including tanks. 

Post-war, due to the rise of private car ownership and shift of goods from rail to road, services on the Meon Valley line were gradually reduced, with the line closing to passenger traffic in February 1955. A goods service was maintained until August 1968 when the line was permanently closed. 

About the structure

The Petersfield Road Bridge is a single-span masonry arch bridge. It crosses a two-lane single carriageway road.

The bridge has a square span of approximately 9m between abutments. The arch is formed of a five-ring red-brick arch atop abutments approximately 3m tall. The bridge is approximately 50m long. 

What is the project?

There was found to be significant spalling within the arch, in particular to the abutment faces. There was also significant joint loss in some areas.

What stage is it at?

Restoration works were carried out in autumn 2025 to address the worst areas of degradation throughout the arch. The structure will continue to be routinely inspected and maintained.