Portsmouth fans warned about M27 closure ahead of Rochdale trip

Pompey fans have been warned to expect delays this weekend

The M27 is closed between junction 3 and 4 all weekend for bridge repairs, meaning that traffic going westbound will be diverted north on the M3.

Drivers will be diverted up to Winchester where they will join the A34, before heading west on the A303 towards Andover.

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This means that Pompey fans should expect more traffic than normal between M27 junction 4 and the A34/A303 junction.

The 60-mile diversion, caused by the closure of the M27 stretch, is believed to be the biggest of its type in the country.

Once fans reach north Oxfordshire on the A34, they can join the M40, M42 around Birmingham before merging onto the M6.

Drivers should also be aware that variable speed restrictions are in place between junction 16 (Crewe) and junction 19 (Manchester) of the M6, which could cause further delays.

Alternative routes for drivers travelling to Rochdale include taking the A3, M25 and M40 to get to Oxford, which would avoid traffic on the M3 but is a longer route.

After Oxford fans could also take the M1 north to Leeds, before heading west to Rochdale on the M62.Â