Road users are reminded that the M27 will be closed between junctions 3 and 4 this weekend for the demolition of the final part of the old Romsey Road bridge.
The M27 will be closed from 10pm on Friday 31 January and will reopen at 5am on Monday 3 February. This is to allow for the demolition of the eastern half of Romsey Road bridge.
This vital work has been carefully planned, but severe congestion is expected in the area and road users are advised to plan their journeys, leave plenty of extra time, and consider using alternative modes of transport where possible.
During the weekend closures of the M27 the following clearly signed diversions will be in place:
Eastbound:
The eastbound diversion entails a number of different routes, depending on direction and the type of vehicle.
- Light vehicles on the M27 from the A31 heading to London/M3 will be directed off at M27 junction 2 to use the A36 and the A3090 through Romsey towards the M3 junction 11 just south of Winchester.
- To avoid low bridges on the A3090, HGVs on the M27 from the A31 heading for M3/London will be diverted off the above route at Romsey onto the A27. These HGVs will then route through North Baddesley to Chilworth Roundabout, where they can use the A33 to join the M3 northbound.
- Traffic of any type on the M27 from the A31 and heading towards M27 east (e.g. from Bournemouth to Portsmouth) will be diverted off at M27 junction 3 up the M271 and A3057 northbound. Before reaching Romsey, traffic will join the A27 eastbound, heading through North Baddesley and Chilworth Roundabout to re-join the M27 at junction 5 (Stoneham).
Westbound:
- All vehicles heading west on the M27 from Portsmouth to Bournemouth will be diverted off at junction 4, up the M3 and the A34. At Bullington Cross, traffic should join the A303, which will be carrying London to Bournemouth traffic diverted off at M3 junction 8. Diverted traffic should continue west to Amesbury, then follow the A345 into Salisbury. Traffic should then join the A36 through Salisbury, rejoining the M27 at junction 2 (Ower).
This weekend closure is the last one of three. The first closure to demolish the western section of the bridge took place in September 2018, with the second closure to install the new bridge in June last year. The new bridge was opened to traffic last month, meaning the eastern bridge could be prepared for demolition. Traffic on the new bridge is currently controlled by temporary traffic lights and this is likely to last until March.
This work has been carefully planned and agreed with Hampshire County Council, Southampton City Council, the emergency services and other stakeholders.
Anyone interested in being kept up to date with the scheme can visit the scheme website: https://highwaysengland.co.uk/projects/m27-romsey-road-bridge-replacement-scheme call the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000 or email info@highwaysengland.co.uk
