A3 drivers warned of weekend closures and advised to "avoid" area
National Highways is reminding people to plan ahead as the first of two weekend closures of the A3 southbound in Hampshire comes into effect from next Friday (11 October).
Traffic in the area is expected to be busy and road users are being asked to plan their journeys and allow extra time to travel. Essential resurfacing work is scheduled to be carried on the southbound carriageway of the A3. The closed section will run between Petersfield (junction with the A272) and the A3M junction 2, Horndean (Hazelton Interchange with B2149).
The first weekend closure will begin at 9pm on Friday, 11 October and will be in place until 6am Monday, 14 October. The second is scheduled to run two weeks later (across the same times) from Friday 25th. A clearly-signed diversion will be in place throughout the closures.
Project Manager Joe Cairns, from National Highways, said: “We understand the impact this may have on local communities but we plan our work carefully to try and minimise disruption, that's why we are carrying this work out over two weekends when traffic is at its lightest.
"There will be an impact and a degree of disruption which we apologise for, but the alternative would be to have this work taking place intermittently over six or seven-week period which would require numerous closures and significantly more disruption and hassle for local people.
“The last thing we want is people stuck in their cars when they could be doing something better with their weekend. So, my advice is to avoid travelling around the closed section if you can. If your journey is necessary, I would urge road users to stick to the signed diversion route and allow additional time to complete their journeys. For those travelling south from further afield, please plan your journey ahead, and look for an alternative route, such as the M3.
“This short term inconvenience will deliver long-term benefits for drivers who use this stretch of the A3.”
Weekend closures information:
- 9pm Friday 11 October to 6am Monday 14 October
- 9pm Friday 25 October to 6am Monday 28 October
Overnight closures information:
- Monday 28 October to Tuesday 5 November 9pm to 6am (Monday to Friday working only)
The diversion route will be via A272 west towards West Meon Hut, A32 south towards Fareham, A27 east through Porchester & Cosham, and A3 London Rd/Portsmouth Rd north via Purbrook, Waterlooville and Cowplain to A3M Junction 2.