Itchen Bridge  The Itchen Bridge is a bridge over the River Itchen in Southampton, Hampshire. It is a high-level hollow box girder bridge. It is located about a mile from the river mouth. The bridge spans , is at its highest point and weighs 62,000 tons. The bridge connects the A3025 Portsmouth Road to Southampton. It was built to replace the former chain ferry, known as the Floating Bridge, that crossed the river at that point. The bridge's set of blue energy-saving lights can be seen from up to down Southampton Water from the bridge. The first attempt to build a crossing below Northam Bridge began in 1833. The plan for a 17-arch swing bridge was stopped by the Admiralty over concerns on the effects it would have on navigation. Instead the Woolston Floating Bridge was built which opened in 1836. In 1926, in the context of the construction of the Queensway Tunnel under the River Mersey, Southampton council hired Basil Mott to investigate the various options for building a fixed crossing across the lower River Itchen. Along with providing costs for a tunnel and a high level crossing he recommended a low level opening span bridge. Another planning effort was undertaken in 1936. The full report took two years to compile and included sinking boreholes into the Itchen. Again a low level crossing with a swinging section was the preferred option. Attempts to raise funds for this bridge were delayed by the need to carry out work on Northam Bridge and then by the outbreak of World War II. During World War II the construction of a pontoon bridge was briefly considered but the decision was made that the floating bridge was adequate. A further plan for a low level bridge was produced in 1947 but again work on Northam Bridge took priority. In 1955 with the work on Northam bridge complete R. Travers Morgan and Partners were commissioned to produce a report on a new bridge. Two reports were produced over the following two years recommended in fixed structure with a dual carriageway and feet of headroom or another with of headroom. An act authorising the bridge was obtained in 1960. However in 1961 Ministry of Transport announced it would not be providing financial support for the bridge which again put the project on hold. In the mid 1960s it became clear to the council that some form of action would have to be taken. The floating bridges were reaching the end of their life requiring an expensive refit or replacement and the compulsory purchase powers under the 1960 Act would expire in 1973. With no possibility of funding from the Ministry of Transport the council started to look into the possibility of constructing a toll bridge.