Motorway to close for removal of giant floating crane

The huge structure broke free from its moorings during Storm Eunice

The canute crane towers above the M275 at the entrance to Portsmouth
Author: Jason BeckPublished 2nd Mar 2022

Part of a motorway will be closed for the removal of a giant floating crane which broke free from its moorings in Portsmouth during Storm Eunice.

It beached alongside the M275 last month and Wednesday morning’s spring high tide is said to be the best opportunity to return it to its original position.

The northbound carriageway will be closed from 9.30am as a safety precaution.

Portsmouth City Council said trying to re-float and move a structure of this size could be "unpredictable".

The motorway is being closed as a safety precaution in case it moves too close to the road.

A diversion for traffic going out of the city will be in place via Twyford Avenue and Northern Parade.

The motorway is expected to reopen by 12.00pm on Wednesday.

The southbound lanes of the M275 will remain open and the park and ride will continue to operate.

If the operation is unable to move the crane on this tide another attempt will be made on Wednesday evening.

A city council spokesperson said a similar road closure would be put in place between 9.30pm and midnight.

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