Langstone Bridge

Langstone Bridge crosses the channel between Langstone and Chichester Harbours on the A3023 from the Mainland to Hayling Island.

The previous connection between the island and the mainland was known as The Wadeway, but only accessible 12 hours a day. The Hayling Bridge and Causeway was privately built and opened on 8 September 1824. A toll of two shillings was charged.

In 1851 the bridge owners were given power to build a railway line as well, which caused their company to be taken over by the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway in 1878. The bridge was thought to be worth £3,000, with tolls making £312 a year on average.

With the nationalisation of the railway operators, the bridge fell into the hands of the British Transport Commission. Hampshire County Council purchased the bridge in 1955 for £91,000.

A new bridge was built by the council in 1956 at a cost of £311,000. The new bridge, positioned slightly to the east, had a better alignment to the south. No funding had been made available so it was agreed tolls would be charged until the cost had been recouped. The new toll made approximately £25,000 a year, and on 11 April 1960 the tolls were lifted. A closing ceremony was held for the toll booth, noting that the toll-keeper had completed 32 years of service.

The bridge had been classified B2149, renumbered A3023 in the 1990s.