How to avoid the M27 closure after crash shuts motorway

Drivers have been diverted away from the M27 as the motorway is closed after a serious accident, between junctions 5 and 7, which has seen motorists diverted through the city.

The diversion routes have caused more traffic chaos throughout the city and drivers have described grid-locked scenes on many Southampton[1] roads.

Daily Echo: Emergency crews are working to clear the wreckage

Southampton traffic updates as M27 closure causes gridlock[3]

Why is the M27 closed? Police and fire service explain[4]

Southampton City Council has warned drivers that some diversion routes are now at a standstill, as more motorists spill out on to the busy roads at rush hour.

Soon after the incident took place, at around mid-day, drivers were diverted to exit the motorway at junction 7, Hedge End, and join the A334 Charles Watts Way.

Due to the current M27 westbound closure we are seeing increased traffic on the following routes; pic.twitter.com/Rvv205tFz7[5]

— Southampton Travel (@scchighways)

February 21, 2024[6]

National Highways has published this diversion route:

  • From the M27 westbound, leave at junction 7. At the roundabout, use the 1st exit and join the A334 Charles Watts Way.
  • At the next roundabout, use the 4th exit and join the A27.
  • Continue on the A27 for approximately 2 miles, through West End to a roundabout with Wide Lane.
  • Use the 2nd exit and join Wide Lane.
  • Continue on Wide Lane passing beneath the M27 to a roundabout.
  • Use the 1st exit and continue to the A335 Wide Lane roundabout.
  • Use the 1st exit and join the A335.
  • Continue to the M27 junction 5 interchange.
  • At junction 5 roundabout, use the 3rd exit to re-join the M27 westbound.

The agency is warning drivers that they should expect journey times to be increased as roads across the city feel the impact of the M27 collision.

References

  1. ^ Southampton (www.dailyecho.co.uk)
  2. ^ M27 closed after lorry hits gantry in serious crash (www.dailyecho.co.uk)
  3. ^ Southampton traffic updates as M27 closure causes gridlock (www.dailyecho.co.uk)
  4. ^ Why is the M27 closed? Police and fire service explain (www.dailyecho.co.uk)
  5. ^ pic.twitter.com/Rvv205tFz7 (t.co)
  6. ^ February 21, 2024 (twitter.com)