London Road in Hilsea: Major Portsmouth route to fully reopen - but more closures are on the way for gas main replacement work

Ongoing work on the northbound London Road in Hilsea, close to The News Centre, has seen the bus lane and one lane of the main road closed since the beginning of November while work was carried out by gas distribution company SGN to replace a section of the gas main. This work involves replacing old, metal gas mains with new plastic pipe to ensure nearby properties continue to receive a safe and reliable supply of gas.

The gas main installation itself was completed on December 28, followed by the excavations being filled with concrete, and this week the tarmac is being laid to repair the road surface. SGN has said that the closed northbound lane and bus lane between the Coach and Horses pub to the junction with Northern Parade will now reopen at midday on Friday, January 5.

However it has confirmed that a lane closure will be put in place on the southbound carriageway from Wednesday, January 10 at 9.30am, between the turning into the old News Centre and the Coach and Horses bus stop, to allow work to begin on that side of the road. The lane closure, which has been delayed as a result of the closure of Eastern Road while a sewer pipe is repaired, is expected to last for eight weeks.

FOR MORE READ: Eastern Road closures planned for sewage pipe repair work

Bradley Barlow, spokesperson SGN, said: “This is required so that there is a safe work area from the excavations on the grass area. If there are opportunities to safely open the lane for periods of time as work progresses then we will do so to help reduce disruption. Once the lane is closed, engineers will start excavating to expose the gas main ready for replacement.

“People walking along the northern end of the work will be able to follow a short signed diversion to ensure they have a safe route around the roadworks. Signs will warn people about the work due to start. We’re sorry for the disruption these essential works have caused, and thank you for your continued patience and understanding.”

He added: “We are working closely with Colas and Portsmouth City Council, and from recent discussions agreed to delay our works due to the closure of Eastern Road southbound for emergency works by Southern Water.”

The news of the delay for the southbound closures comes after the city was hit with significant traffic disruption recently as a result of the combined impact of the lane closures on Eastern Road, London Road and in the city centre as the council carries out work to create new bus lanes and measures to promote green travel.