Portsmouth City Council is working with its PFI highways contractor, Colas, to deliver planned investment in the city’s road network, including essential improvements to several bridges along the M275.
The work includes jacking up the whole bridge, like when you change the wheel on a car, and replacing corroded bridge joints and bearings. It is part of a wider programme of maintenance designed to keep the city’s main routes safe and resilient for the future.
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 dates in May are:
10pm on Friday 15 May until 5am on Monday 18 May: Southbound diversions in place
- 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, which may affect usual journeys
- 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
10pm on Friday 29 May until 5am on Monday 1 June: Northbound diversions in place
- Traffic leaving Portsmouth via the M275 will be directed via the Tipner Interchange roundabout to help manage traffic flow around the affected bridge
Clearly signed diversion routes will be in place throughout each weekend to help keep traffic moving. Bus services may be affected by the diversions, and passengers should check with their operator before travelling. The Park & Ride will remain open, with access managed via signed routes.
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.
If you’re heading into the city during these diversions, please plan ahead and consider alternatives to driving. Trains, Voi e‑scooters/e‑bikes, buses and Park & Ride services are all available for getting into Portsmouth and moving around once you’re here.
A Portsmouth City Council spokesperson said:
“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.”
Further updates will be shared on the council’s website and social media channels as each diversion weekend approaches. More information about the two further weekend diversions planned for September will be shared later this year.