The M275’s north and southbound bridges into Portsmouth will shut from 11pm on Friday until 5am on Monday, cutting off a vital artery for commuters and freight. Highways England confirmed the emergency closures yesterday after engineers discovered critical defects in the aging structures during routine inspections on June 10.
Council leaders in Portsmouth described the closures as “disruptive but necessary,” citing the risk of sudden structural failure if repairs were delayed. “These bridges have exceeded their design life,” said Cllr Julie Swan, Portsmouth City Council’s cabinet member for transport. “The defects identified are not just cosmetic—they threaten the integrity of the entire route.”
Key Points
- ⏰ Friday 11pm to Monday 5am — Full closures of both bridges
- 🚧 36-hour gap in M275 access for over 50,000 daily drivers
- 🔧 Urgent repairs to address structural defects found June 10
Traffic is expected to divert onto the A27, A3(M), and local roads, with delays anticipated for up to two hours during peak times. Highways England has pledged to deploy additional signage and temporary lane closures to manage the flow, but motorists are advised to avoid the route entirely. The agency has not confirmed whether contractors will work overnight to minimise disruption.
| Route | Impact | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| M275 (Portchester to Portsmouth) | Full closure, no access | A27 via A3(M), local roads |
| A27 (Portsmouth bypass) | Congestion expected | Use earlier or later than peak |
| Local roads (Farlinghoe, Portsdown Hill) | Unplanned traffic surge | Avoid unfamiliar routes |
The defects, located in the bridge decks and supporting girders, were flagged as “high-risk” by engineers, prompting the immediate intervention. Officials stressed that while the closures are inconvenient, they prevent a more catastrophic scenario. “This isn’t a drill,” said a Highways England spokesperson. “We’ve seen bridges collapse under similar conditions elsewhere in the UK. Speed is critical here.”
💡 Pro Tip
Use the M27 at Junction 3 (Horndean) and take the A3(M) south to Portsmouth via the A27, adding 15 minutes to your journey but avoiding the worst delays.
Local businesses are bracing for the impact, with haulage firms warning of supply chain disruptions. Portsmouth International Port, which handles over 200,000 containers annually, has rerouted some deliveries via rail to mitigate the closures. “We’re working with Highways England to ensure minimal disruption to goods movement,” said a port spokeswoman. “But the reality is, every hour of closure adds pressure.”
📋 By The Numbers
- 1982 — Year the M275 bridges were constructed
- 2 — Number of bridges affected (northbound and southbound)
- £12m — Estimated cost of long-term repairs if defects worsen
Campaigners have seized on the closures to demand a full review of the region’s transport infrastructure, arguing that the M275’s aging bridges are a ticking time bomb. “This is a symptom of decades of underinvestment,” said local transport advocate Mark Hargreaves. “We need a strategic plan, not just emergency patches.” Highways England has committed to publishing a detailed inspection report within 14 days, but for now, drivers must plan around the blackout.