M275
M275 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Location Map ( geo) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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From: | Port Solent (SU646046) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
To: | North End (SU644019) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distance: | 2.5 miles (4 km) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Meets: | A27, M27, A3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Route outline (key) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Junction List | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The M275 shares two spurs with the M27: one to the A27/A3 at the western half of J12, and the other to the A27 trunk route section, to the east of J12. Both roads have the number 'M27 M275' displayed on the chopsticks sign, and after that all the signs refer to the M27/M275 split.
There is a junction halfway along the stretch between M27 and Portsmouth city centre which serves a Park & Ride service to the city centre, and Tipner West. When it opened in 2014, the road gained two junction numbers. What junctions it does have a rather unusual, including a signalised T-junction at Whale Island and very nearly a new right-hand exit at Trafalgar Gate.
An official opening ceremony was held for the motorway on 11 March 1976. Most of the motorway was built over reclaimed land, which meant the tidal beach at Stamshaw Bay would no longer be accessible to residents. A new beach and footpath were provided on the west side of the motorway, described as "a splendid amenity". Stamshaw Park is the remains of the Bay. New boating facilities have to be provided too.
When it opened, the M275 offered an alternative to the two vehicle routes out of Portsmouth. When it's closed, these two still have to take all the weight of the traffic. Prior to diversion symbols becoming widespread, Portsmouth City Council created their own symbols to direct traffic out of the city when the motorway was closed.
The M275 is an unusual motorway because a significant length of it is not managed by National Highways, but by Portsmouth City Council. Contrary to popular belief, National Highways maintain responsibility for the road north of Tipner Bridge. As a result of that, and Portsmouth City Council leading a new signage strategy in 2005, there are some very unusual road signs along its length, with some rather liberal interpretations of the TSRGD. Many of those council signs have since been removed.
When the M275 opened, its speed limit was 70mph. This was reduced to 60mph in 2005, in preparation for the new Tipner junction, even though the change extended along the whole length of the motorway and work on the junction didn't begin until 2012. In 2020, the speed limit was reduced to 40mph on two occasions. Each of those occasions was intended to be permanent, with updated signage and repainted road markings, in response to a safety risk posed by Britain's exit from the EU. Each occasion was undone after a couple of days, as the situation was developing rapidly.
A right-hand exit was originally provided at the northern approach to the M27.
Opening Dates
Links
Roads.org.uk
Roads UK
Pathetic Motorways