Portsmouth fans warned ahead of QPR, Charlton and Bristol City games because of M27 upgrade

Pompey fans coming from the west of the city for today’s Fratton Park game against QPR have been warned their travels will be impacted.

That’s following the start of major works to a section of the M27 between junctions 9 and 11.

All lanes are closed in both directions between Whiteley and Fareham in order for a new underpass to be installed as part of the junction 10 upgrade.

Work on the Hampshire County County-led project began on the evening of December 24 and will continue until 4am on Sunday, January 4.

The Blues play host to QPR today at 3pm as John Mousinho’s side look to build on their home win against Blackburn Rovers and their draw at Derby County in the build-up to Christmas.

A large contingent of fans from the west and the midlands usually make their way to PO4 via the M27. But for this game and Monday night’s visit of Charlton to Fratton Park (7.45pm), drivers are being advised to plan ahead or seek alternative routes to avoid severe delays - both on their way to the game and when heading back home.

The ongoing work will also impact those fans planning to attend the away game against Bristol City at Ashton Gate on New Year’s Day.

A diversion is in place via the A27.

Pompey supporters faced severe delays earlier this month for the midweek trip to Swansea due to Storm Bram.

Ahead of today’s fixture, Blues chief executive Andy Cullen, through his programme notes, said: ‘With a concentrated number of home matches, we remind you that the M27 is currently shut between junctions nine and 11 for construction work.

‘This may add longer journey times to those of you travelling from the west and the midlands. Please take time to consider alternative routes so you arrive here safely and in no rush. ‘

M27 road works - what’s happening

A section of the motorway surface has been completely removed after work began in the early hours of Christmas Day.

Over the closure period, a giant pre-constructed concrete structure weighing approximately 8,500 tonnes will be slid 65 metres into a trench cut into the motorway embankment, from its construction location on the northern side of the M27.

The box slide, which has been visible to drivers passing along the M27 with it being constructed next to the carriageway, will create a new carriageway beneath the motorway as part of the £100 million plus scheme, with the motorway then fully reconstructed above it.

The construction of the 6,000-home Welborne Garden Village has prompted the need for the works.

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