June news

M275 bridge repairs start this month

Hi-tech repairs to the bridges supporting the M275 at Tipner start this month. But the work should only mean minor disruption for drivers.

The two reinforced concrete bridges over Tipner Lane, built in the 1970s, need repairing to deal with corrosion.

Work to fix them is due to start on 16 June and is expected to last a year.

Lanes will be closed at some times. But the motorway will always stay open in both directions, and no lanes will be shut during rush hours.

The work is needed because over the years, salt from road gritting has got into joints and has started to corrode some steel reinforcing bars inside the concrete. This can cause the bars to expand and damage the concrete.

Repair work, ordered by Portsmouth City Council, will involve replacing damaged sections of concrete and installing a system that will continuously pump a very small electric current through the steel bars. This system will halt the chemical process leading to corrosion.

There will be a need to close the inside (slow) lanes of the motorway from time to time. This will only happen at off-peak times (9.30am - 3.30pm) and at least two lanes will always stay open in both directions.

There will be no daytime lane closures during the Meet Your Navy event (25-27 July) or the Great South Run (26 October).

Some night-time lane closures will be needed over the next two months. These will only be on week nights, from 9pm to 5.30am. At least one lane will be kept open in both directions.

There will be traffic lights on Tipner Lane, below the motorway, as this road will be reduced to a single lane for part of the works.

The pedestrian subway underneath the south bridge over Tipner Lane will also be temporarily closed during the works. There will be a walkway provided instead.

The work is being paid for by a £3.14m government grant and the contractor carrying out the repair works is Geoffrey Osborne Ltd.

Cllr Lynne Stagg, the council's cabinet member for traffic and transportation, said: "The bridges are safe to use, but studies have revealed some wear and tear which needs to be sorted out before it gets any worse.

"There will be some lane closures, but any disruption will be kept to an absolute minimum. Drivers shouldn't be inconvenienced because no lanes will be closed in the rush hour. And the motorway will stay open in both directions all the time."

If residents have questions or comments about the work, they can contact the council's project team on (023) 9268 8205 or email tipner.projects@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.

Date : 04 June 2008