The ABP Southampton Marathon Festival returns on Sunday, 3 May 2026. While the event brings a fantastic atmosphere to the city, the extensive course requires significant road closures that will impact travel from Friday, 1 May through Sunday, 3 May. If you are planning to travel into or around Southampton during the race weekend, it is essential to understand which routes are affected to avoid delays. This guide focuses specifically on the road closure timings and access routes to help you navigate the city with ease.
Southampton City Centre Road Closures
Expect significant changes to traffic flow in the heart of the city. While Above Bar Street and Commercial Road close early for the event village, many surrounding roads will shut early on Sunday morning.
Early Closures: Saturday 2 May (06:00) – Sunday 3 May (20:00)
- Above Bar Street: From A3024 Brunswick Place to Civic Centre Road.
- West Marlands Road: Full length.
- Commercial Road: Full length.
Sunday 3 May: Timed City Centre Closures
07:00 – 16:00:
- London Road (Full length)
- A3024 Cumberland Place (Bedford Place to London Road)
- A3024 Brunswick Place (Full length)
08:30 – 13:00:
- Above Bar Street (Civic Centre Road to Pound Tree Road)
- Pound Tree Road, Civic Centre Road, Park Walk, and Vincents Walk (Full lengths)
- New Road (Above Bar Street to East Park Terrace)
08:30 – 12:00:
- East Park Terrace, Kings Park Road, and Khartoum Road (Full lengths)
- New Road (Palmerston Road to A33 St Andrews Road)
- Bellevue Road (Kings Park Road to London Road)
09:30 – 13:00:
- Hanover Buildings, West Bargate, and Briton Street (Full lengths)
- High Street (Hanover Buildings to Briton Street)
- Orchard Place (Briton Street to A33 Platform Road)
Major River Crossings: Itchen and Northam Bridges
The most critical information for anyone travelling between the East and West of the city is the status of the two main bridges. For 2026, both bridges will be impacted, which will significantly restrict cross-city movement during the morning and early afternoon.
Sunday 3 May: Bridge Closure Schedule
- The Itchen Bridge (A3025): Fully closed to all vehicles from 08:00 to 14:00.
- The Northam Bridge (A3024): Fully closed from 08:00 to 14:30.
If you need to cross the river during these times, you will need to travel north towards Mansbridge or use the motorway (M27).
Woolston and Itchen Bridge Closures
For residents and commuters in the Woolston area, the marathon route significantly affects the main arterial roads and residential streets leading toward the waterfront. These closures are necessary to manage the flow of runners crossing the Itchen Bridge.
Sunday 3 May: 08:00 – 14:00
- Bridges: A3025 Central Bridge and A3025 Itchen Bridge (Full lengths).
- Main Roads: Victoria Road, Woodley Road, Weston Lane, and Jurds Lake Way (Full lengths).
- Residential Access: Cooper’s Lane, Keswick Road, John Thornycroft Road, Oswald Road, and Vosper Road.
- Portsmouth Road: Closed from its junction with A3025 Portsmouth Road to Woodley Road.
- Rothschild Close: Closed from the junction with Weston Road to Jurds Lake Way.
Portswood and Highfield Closures
As the race moves north towards the University of Southampton and the Common, several key roads in Portswood and Highfield will be shut to vehicles. This is a particularly long closure window to accommodate both the outbound and return laps of the marathon.
Sunday 3 May: 08:00 – 15:00
- Primary Routes: A3035 Cobden Avenue (St. Catherine’s Road to Priory Road) and Woodmill Lane (Manor Farm Road to Portswood Road).
- Portswood Area: High Road (Woodmill Lane to A35 Burgess Road) and Portswood Road (Woodmill Lane to Harefield Road).
- University & Highfield: University Road, Church Lane, and Khartoum Road (Full lengths).
- Residential Connections: Heatherdeane Road, Langhorn Road Lane, and sections of Highfield Road.
Bitterne and St Denys Road Closures
In the eastern part of the city, closures are concentrated around the approach to the Northam Bridge. These closures will affect key residential roads and the main A3024 corridor, which is a primary route for those entering the city from the east.
Sunday 3 May: 08:00 – 14:30
- Main Arterial Roads: A3024 Northam Road, A3024 Northam Bridge, and A3024 Bitterne Road West (from Northam Bridge to Bullar Road).
- Residential Streets: Macnaghten Road (from Bullar Road to Whitworth Road), Whitworth Road, and Whitworth Crescent (both full lengths).
Access Information and Travel Advice
While many roads are closed, the city remains accessible via specific “open corridors.” If you must travel on Sunday, using these routes will be your best option for avoiding the race course.
Routes Remaining Open:
- Westbound Travel: The Northam Bridge typically remains open for travel heading out of the city towards the east, though check local signage on the day.
- City Access: Use West Quay Road, Millbrook Road West, or Hill Lane to enter or exit the city centre.
- The Avenue (A33): This remains a primary route for north-south travel, though expect higher traffic volumes than usual.
Quick Travel Tips:
- Plan Ahead: If you live within the closure zones, move your vehicle to a road outside the race route on Saturday evening if you need to use it on Sunday morning.
- Marshals: Traffic management staff and event marshals will be positioned along the route to help direct drivers to the nearest diversion.
- Follow Diversions: All closed sections will have clearly signed diversion routes in place.
Planning to join the race?
Now that you have the travel details sorted, why not check out the full event guide? Take a look at our complete overview of the ABP Southampton Marathon for everything you need to know about the big day.
FAQs: ABP Southampton Marathon Road Closures
What time does the Itchen Bridge close for the Southampton Marathon?
The Itchen Bridge (A3025) will be fully closed to all vehicle traffic from 08:00 to 14:00 on Sunday, 3 May 2026. Drivers are advised to use the M27 to cross the river during this time.
Are there road closures on Saturday before the marathon?
Yes, closures begin at 06:00 on Saturday, 2 May 2026, for Above Bar Street, West Marlands Road, and Commercial Road to allow for the setup of the Race Village.
How can I access Westquay during the road closures?
Westquay remains accessible throughout the weekend. On Sunday, 3 May, drivers should use West Quay Road, Millbrook Road West, or Hill Lane to enter the city centre and avoid the race route.
Will public transport be affected by the marathon?
Yes. Most bus services in Southampton will be on diversion between 08:00 and 16:00 on Sunday. Passengers should check the Blue Star or Unilink apps for specific route changes.
Can I drive across the Northam Bridge during the race?
The Northam Bridge (A3024) will be fully closed from 08:00 to 14:30 on Sunday, 3 May 2026, to allow runners to cross safely.
