What the M275 weekend diversions mean for drivers

A major route into Portsmouth is set to close over the weekend as essential repair work is carried out on road bridges.

Drivers are being advised to plan ahead for southbound diversions on the M275 from 22:00 BST on Friday until 05:00 on Monday, while the maintenance work is carried out.

The work affects several key structures, including Tipner Lake bridge, the Tipner Interchange bridges and the Rudmore Flyover.

Portsmouth City Council said that was part of a wider programme of maintenance designed to keep the city's main routes "safe and resilient" for the future.

The local authority said the work included "jacking up the whole bridge, like when you change the wheel on a car, and replacing corroded bridge joints and bearings".

It said the process required full access to the carriageway.

The southbound weekend diversions mean:

• Traffic approaching from the west (M27) will still be able to access the M275
• Lane restrictions will be in operation on parts of the M275
• Vehicles will be directed via the Tipner Interchange roundabout to help manage traffic flow around the affected bridge
• There will be no access to the M275 from the east (A3/A27), with traffic diverted via alternative signed routes

The council added bus services might be affected by the diversions, and passengers should check with their operator before travelling.

The Park and Ride will remain open, with access managed via signed routes, and trains, Voi e‑scooters/e‑bikes and bus services will be available for getting into and around Portsmouth.

Later in the month, northbound diversions are due to be put place from 22:00 BST on 29 May until 05:00 on 1 June, when traffic leaving Portsmouth via the M275 will be directed on to the Tipner Interchange roundabout.

Two further weekend diversions will follow in September.

The council said that by diverting traffic in one direction at a time and scheduling the work at weekends, it was "aiming to manage the impact as effectively as possible".