HMS Queen Elizabeth Arrival Sparks City-Wide Traffic Chaos
Get ready, Portsmouth! The arrival of HMS Queen Elizabeth at 7.10am tomorrow is set to unleash major traffic mayhem. The City Council has announced extensive road closures to manage the expected huge crowds. Commuters are urged to ditch their cars and opt for walking, cycling, public transport, or park and ride services.
City Centre Gridlock: Early Morning Road Closures
From 4am tomorrow, roads near the Mile End roundabout—the key junction at the end of the M275—will be shut tight for most traffic. Church Street will be sealed off near Mile End roundabout, except for local residents.
Cornmill Street, between Lake Road and Marketway roundabout, will close northbound. Meanwhile, drivers on Hope Street can only head north from Mile End roundabout toward M275 and Rudmore roundabout.
Those usually leaving via Church Street or Commercial Road will be forced onto diversion routes via Lake Road, Kingston Road, and Kingston Crescent. Locals are advised to consider the Eastern Road to avoid the worst jams.
Southsea Seafront Shut Down Overcrowding Fear
Expect chaos along Southsea seafront too. A stretch of Clarence Esplanade between Clarence Pier and the D-Day Museum car park will shut from 10pm tonight as a safety precaution.
Unauthorized vehicles parked in the closed zone will be towed. If you’re thinking of cruising down for a peek, think again!
Old Portsmouth Locked Down for Safety
Broad Street (north of East Street) and Bath Square will be closed from 10pm tonight with no parking allowed. Illegally parked cars will be removed.
From 4am tomorrow, only residents and businesses in Old Portsmouth will be allowed past the junction of High Street and Pembroke Road. Access is strictly controlled – only vehicles with valid KA zone permits can enter multiple nearby roads for safety amid the anticipated flood of visitors.
Gosport Sees Parking Ban Near Haslar Road
Good news if you’re heading to Gosport: no road closures there. But beware, parking along Haslar Road will be banned from 4am to 12.30pm to keep traffic flowing during the event.
Prepare for heavy travel disruption across the city. Plan ahead, avoid driving where possible, and expect delays as Portsmouth welcomes the mighty HMS Queen Elizabeth!
