WORK to replace the controversial fencing on a railway bridge in Winchester will begin next month.

The current fencing at St Paul's Bridge, near Upper High Street was put up after a death at the bridge in 2020.

Since then the "anti-trespassing" measure has been criticised for its "ugliness".

Four years later, Network Rail has posted a letter to residents in the area notifying them that the work is due to begin on November 11 and should finish on December 7.

READ MORE: New plans submitted to replace fencing on Winchester bridge

There was a death at the bridge in 2020 (Image: Network Rail) In the letter, Network Rail said: "We apologise in advance; residents can expect some disruption as the work will be noisy. You may see an increase in traffic in the area during this period."

It was also confirmed that the fencing will be replaced with railings.

The original planning statement stated: "The railings to be installed will be 1.5m high from the top of the bridge parapet and approximately 2.5m high from the footpath. The railings consist of 'T' shaped posts at 2m intervals. The posts extend most of the way down the existing parapet wall and will be fixed using suitable resin anchors. Between each of the posts will be metal railings. The new railings and vertical posts are to be painted in Jet Black RAL 9005 (30 per cent gloss).”

The bridge, just south of the train station, dates from around 1839 when the railway was completed between Winchester and Southampton.