M27 reduced speed limit
The speed limit on the M27 at Hamble will stay until September
The reduced speed limit from 70mph to 50mph is not connected to the ongoing drainage problems there, though.
The environment and development manager of River Hamble, Alison Fowler, told River Hamble Harbour Board members that she received correspondence from National Highways indicating that the current speed limit in place does not relate to the drainage works. There is a long-running saga that has seen National Highways agree to provide prooper draiainge from the Hamble motorway bridge tp avoid any run-off from a fuel spill getting into the river.
‘The speed limit that is currently up there isn’t to do with the drainage works,’ said Ms Fowler. ‘It is to do with parapet damage. They found that additional lane closure was needed. Therefore, they had to restrict it to 50mph until they can repair that, which I think they are thinking about in September.’
On its ‘Report a problem’ website, National Highways tells customers that ‘The closures and speed restrictions on the M27 in this area are due to parapet damage on Hamble Bridge.
‘Following a collision with the eastbound parapet, we found that both it and the westbound parapet are near their end of life.
‘We’re having to completely replace the parapets along this bridge to ensure it’s safe to use, and we’re currently assessing what requirements the new parapets will need and designing them accordingly.
‘We’ll then need to order the necessary replacement parts before we can install them.
‘Currently, we’re aiming to do this installation in September. However, this schedule is variable and subject to change.
‘The current traffic management will remain in place until the parapet is safely replaced. We thank you for your patience whilst we resolve this issue.’