Double blow for Pompey supporters as A38 Devon bridge work causes lengthy traffic delays

POMPEY fans endured traffic chaos travelling to Plymouth for the club's crunch play-off semi-final.
15/5/16

Pompey fans watch the match against Plymouth on big screens at the Victory Bar at Fratton Park. L-R Amanda Wallis,  Steve Johnson, Michael Toomer.

Picture: Paul Jacobs (160254-9) PPP-160515-21292600615/5/16

Pompey fans watch the match against Plymouth on big screens at the Victory Bar at Fratton Park. L-R Amanda Wallis,  Steve Johnson, Michael Toomer.

Picture: Paul Jacobs (160254-9) PPP-160515-212926006
15/5/16 Pompey fans watch the match against Plymouth on big screens at the Victory Bar at Fratton Park. L-R Amanda Wallis, Steve Johnson, Michael Toomer. Picture: Paul Jacobs (160254-9) PPP-160515-212926006

Highway engineers sealed off a key route over the A38 in the Devon city following the demolition of Merafield Bridge - on the same day supporters were making the lengthy trip down to Home Park.

A video posted on YouTube shows explosives destroy the supporting columns, and the bridge at Merafield collapse in a huge dust cloud.

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Devon and Cornwall Police tweeted about the tailbacks and urged fans to ‘consider alternative routes’ until the A38 re-opened, which was around 3pm.

Highways Agency regional director, Andrew Page-Dove, defended the works, saying it was a ‘big project’ that required ‘extensive planning’.

It was a tough day for Pompey as the side crashed to a 1-0 defeat after Plymouth scored an injury-time winner, taking the side to the League Two play-off final at Wembley.

Fans invaded the pitch afterwards in celebration as gutted Blues supporters made their way home.

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