M275 in Portsmouth set for closure today with diversions in place as drivers warned
Drivers warned over M275 closure
Drivers are being advised to plan ahead for diversions and delays on the M275 this weekend while essential bridge maintenance is carried out.
The southbound motorway will be closed from 10pm on Friday May 15 until 5am on Monday, May 18 to traffic travelling into Portsmouth from the east (A3/A27), with diversions put in place. Traffic approaching from the west (M27) will still be able to access the M275.
It comes as Portsmouth City Council works with its highways contractor Colas to carry out essential improvements to several bridges along the M275 which includes jacking up the whole bridge and replacing corroded bridge joints and bearings.
Lane restrictions will be in place on parts of the M275 for the traffic which can access it, with vehicles directed via the Tipner Interchange roundabout to help manage traffic flow around the affected bridge
A second weekend of works will take place from 10pm on Friday, May 29 until 5am on Monday, June 1 on the northbound side.
“It is part of a wider programme of maintenance designed to keep the city’s main routes safe and resilient for the future,” a council spokesperson said.
“The M275 is one of the city’s busiest strategic routes, supporting daily travel for residents, businesses and visitors. Its upkeep requires specialist engineering expertise, delivered by trained professionals, including skilled workers who live and work in Portsmouth.
“To allow the work to be carried out safely, traffic will be diverted over two weekends in May, followed by two further weekends in September.”
The maintenance work taking place in May and September affects several key structures, including Tipner Lake bridge, the Tipner Interchange bridges and the Rudmore flyover.
“Replacing bridge joints and bearings is a complex and technical process, which requires full access to the carriageway. This means traffic needs to be diverted while the work is carried out, to allow it to be done safely,” the council spokesperson said.
Clearly signed diversion routes will be in place throughout each weekend and the the Park & Ride will remain open, with access managed via signed routes. The council is advising those coming into the city to consider using Trains, Voi e‑scooters/e‑bikes or buses.
The council spokesperson added: “This work forms part of the ongoing investment in maintaining Portsmouth’s road network and is essential to keeping the M275 and its structures safe for future use. Carrying out this type of highly technical work requires specialist skills and careful planning. By diverting traffic in one direction at a time and scheduling the work at weekends, we are aiming to manage the impact as effectively as possible.”
More information about the two further weekend diversions planned for September will be shared later this year.