Portsmouth traffic: Lake Road to close for nearly two weeks due to roadworks - when it shuts and reopens

The closure from the Lake Road roundabout in Landport to the Fratton Road junction in Fratton starts on May 14 at 8am. It is scheduled to reopen on May 26. Portsmouth City Council (PCC) said on Facebook that workers will be making rainwater drainage improvements before installing a crossing for pedestrians and cyclists.

They added: “Diversions will be in place for people driving and cycling during the works. The footpath will be open as normal for people travelling through the area or visiting the local schools and businesses.

“We are sorry for the inconvenience caused to journeys while the improvements take place and please be assured our contractors are working as efficiently as it is safe to do so.” The local authority said the Stagecoach 23 and First Bus 3 and 7theStar services will follow a diversion route. They advised people to allow extra time for their journey, and to check with service operators for updated travel information.

Both bus stops closest wo the Fratton Road junction will be closed. The nearest points are on Hanway Road and outside St Mary’s Church. PCC said they are continuing to make the city’s routes safer for pedestrians and cyclists as part of the South East Hampshire Rapid Transit (SEHRT) project.

Details for the scheme and diversions

The planned work is in preparation to install a new tiger crossing - a zebra crossing with a cycle path alongside it. Motorists exiting from Clarendon Street will be able to avoid the roadworks by turning right onto Fratton Road junction.

Traffic exiting Turner Road will be able to exit left towards Fratton Road junction. Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson, cabinet member for Transport, said: “Portsmouth roads are reaching capacity, and the geography of our island means that there is a limit to what we can do to develop the road network.

“This is where improvements to walking, cycling and public transport can make a real positive difference to people's lives, by helping to reduce the number of people choosing to travel by car and improving journey times for all. By the time all the SEHRT city centre schemes are completed in the summer, the improvements will make it simpler for people to choose healthier and safer ways to travel, whilst helping to reduce congestion.”

The road will remain closed at night as the engineering work involves multiple deep excavations, making it unsafe to use.