Essential repairs have commenced on deteriorating M27 motorway bridges at Junction 12 near Portsmouth, with fresh images revealing the crumbling infrastructure as a five-month maintenance project begins with lane closures already implemented.
New photographs have exposed the deteriorating condition of M27 motorway bridges at a crucial Portsmouth junction as a five-month repair programme commences to undertake vital maintenance work.
Traffic restrictions are currently active as part of National Highways’ initiative at Junction 12, with complete weekend shutdowns also scheduled for later this year – though assurances have been given that these will occur when Portsmouth FC are playing away matches to reduce local traffic disruption.
As The News previously covered, repair work on two M27 bridges between Junction 12 and Hilsea Interchange began yesterday evening (Thursday, 5 June) with overnight lane restrictions implemented to enable the construction.
The structures transport M27 traffic eastbound and westbound respectively, situated close to Portsbridge Roundabout at the interchange connecting the A27 and M275, with recent photographs from National Highways displaying the deteriorating infrastructure.
M27 Portsmouth bridge repairs start slow
Both bridges will receive new expansion joints alongside waterproofing and resurfacing work, whilst concrete repairs beneath both structures and enhanced drainage systems will be installed to preserve safety standards.
Emma Weston, National Highways Project Manager, commented: “These structures have reached 50 years of age, requiring this maintenance programme to ensure they continue operating safely and effectively for decades ahead.
“This represents an extremely busy road section, and we recognise the disruption our bridge work creates. We conduct thorough planning, considering other roadworks, and have worked to maintain traffic flow on this carriageway section.”
Emma noted awareness that both bridge undersides are utilised for leisure pursuits, including motorcycle scrambling activities.
“I must remind anyone considering site access that the area remains fenced with public entry prohibited at all times for safety purposes,” she stated.
Safe work completion requires sequential lane one and lane three closures across both bridge directions, incorporating overnight carriageway shutdowns. Full weekend closures will also be necessary, implemented one direction at a time to minimise traffic disruption, National Highways confirmed.
The programme will proceed in phases, beginning with lane one restrictions in both directions from 8pm Thursday through 6am Monday morning during June on both structures. This transitions to lane three closures in both directions throughout July and early August.
M3 collision closes two lanes near M27
Subsequently, overnight complete carriageway closures will occur in August, happening one direction at a time to limit traffic disruption as much as possible.
From September forward, full weekend shutdowns will take place, again one direction at a time to minimise disruption, with National Highways confirming that closure dates will be finalised once Portsmouth Football Club’s home fixture schedule is released at month’s end.
