Next Phase Of M275 Work Gets Underway

The next phase of major work on the M275 in Portsmouth is getting started.

Drivers are being warned to expect changes to the road's layout as work on the new Tipner motorway junction and park-and-ride project moves into its next phase.

Narrow lanes and a contraflow system will be installed from 13th-17th May. This will see lane three of the southbound carriageway cross over to the northbound carriageway.

Drivers in the contraflow lane will not be able to exit the M275 at Rudmore roundabout, anyone wishing to leave the motorway there should keep to the left-hand lane. The 40mph speed limit will remain in place throughout this as a safety precaution for motorists and workforce.

Work will be carried out at night to minimise disruption to motorists.

The temporary layout is being brought in to allow contractors to work safely on the motorway without lanes being closed, and will remain in place until spring 2014.

Graham Baggaley, Portsmouth City Council's project manager, said:

"Introducing the narrow lanes and contraflow means we can keep three lanes of traffic flowing in and out of Portsmouth and avoid unnecessary congestion.

"These measures along with the 40mph speed limit allow contractors to work safely on the motorway as well as keeping drivers safe and minimising disruption for everyone.

"It may seem alien at first but everything will be clearly signed in advance and we're very grateful for drivers' patience and co-operation during this work."

Following the announcement of £19.5m of Department for Transport funding, Portsmouth City Council’s work in Tipner began in January and will continue until spring 2014.

The government award accompanies £8.5m of council money to build the new motorway junction on the M275, accompanied by a park-and-ride facility and a southbound bus priority lane.

The new junction creates access to the land on the west of the motorway, opening its potential for development while the park-and-ride is vital to the city's overall regeneration plans.

The park-and-ride has plans for more than 600 spaces, providing sustainable transport to cater for increasing numbers of visitors generated by a redeveloped city centre and seafront, as well as for commuters and major events in the city.

The council's work takes place alongside land development projects being done by the Homes & Communities Agency and Tipner Regeneration Company which have planning permission to provide almost 600 homes between them as well as some retail space.