Drivers facing motorway chaos (From Daily Echo)

Delays expected during 32 hour M27 closure

11:07am Sunday 10th March 2013 in News By Luke Tugby, Senior reporter

MOTORISTS were this morning bracing themselves for a day of traffic misery as a major Hampshire route was closed.

As reported by the Daily Echo, a stretch of the eastbound M27 will be shut for a total of 32 hours this weekend to allow essential work that will prevent the build up of surface water on the motorway after heavy rain.

The section of motorway between junction 4, where it meets the M3, and junction 5, near Eastleigh, was closed at 9pm last night for the essential works to get underway.

The closure was expected to cause motoring chaos and long tailbacks for drivers heading to and from Southampton, returning from their weekend breaks.

Diversions have been put in place to take motorists through Eastleigh and Bassett.

But highways chiefs this morning said that traffic was “flowing well”, although traffic was starting to build up by 10.30am on Leigh Road, at the junction with Passfield Avenue.

The closure had been expected to start at 9pm on Friday, but after negotiations between Southampton City Council, the Highways Agency and the police, that was put back until 9pm on Saturday.

The route will reopen at 5.30am tomorrow.

Have you been caught up in the motoring chaos today? Call the newsroom on 02380 424503.