M27 Closure: Motorway fully open after bridge work which led to 58-mile diversion

Both carriageways between junction 3 and 4, near Romsey, had been closed for the work and were scheduled to re-open tomorrow at 5am.

But the work was finished sooner than expected and the motorway is now fully open.

As previously reported, drivers were asked to avoid the road this weekend with heavy delays expected on local roads.

Highways England had set up a 58-mile diversion for HGVs and another, shorter route for cars.

Andrew Winson, Highways England project manager, said: '˜We are pleased to say the demolition of the western part of the Romsey Road bridge was completed ahead of schedule, so the M27 has opened earlier than expected.

'˜I would like to thank road users, residents and businesses in the area and along the diversion route for their patience while we carried out this important work.'

The project team will now begin building the new bridge deck at the site compound near the M27. The next weekend closure, to install the new bridge deck, will be between April 26 and April 29 next year.