HMS Queen Elizabeth’s Arrival Set to Paralyse Portsmouth Roads
Get ready, Portsmouth! The mighty HMS Queen Elizabeth docks at 7.10am tomorrow, sparking huge traffic chaos across the city. Portsmouth City Council is slamming the brakes on traffic with extensive road closures to handle the expected throngs of visitors.
City Centre Gridlock: Major Road Closures from Dawn
Starting 4am, roads near the Mile End roundabout – the gateway at the end of the M275 from the south – will be shut tight. Church Street won’t give access onto Mile End roundabout except to locals. Cornmill Street (between Lake Road and Marketway roundabout) will close northbound, while drivers on Hope Street can only head northbound from Mile End roundabout towards M275 and Rudmore roundabout.
Expect diversions out of the city from Church Street and Commercial Road, rerouting drivers via Lake Road, Kingston Road, and Kingston Crescent. Some locals might find Eastern Road a better bet.
Southsea Seafront Part-Closed as Crowds Are Expected
To keep everyone safe, Clarence Esplanade between Clarence Pier and the D-Day Museum car park shuts from 10pm tonight. Any unauthorised vehicles left will be towed – so don’t risk it if you’re heading that way.
Old Portsmouth Locks Down Streets and Parking
Broad Street north of East Street and Bath Square will be closed, with no parking allowed. All vehicles illegally parked will be removed from 10pm tonight.
From 4am, only Old Portsmouth residents and businesses with KA zone permits can access beyond High Street and Pembroke Road. The crackdown covers streets including East Street, Bath Street, West Street, Tower Street, Bath Square, and more.
Gosport Keeps Roads Open But Bans Parking
No full closures in Gosport, but Haslar Road will ban vehicle parking from 4am until 12.30pm tomorrow under a temporary traffic regulation order.
Travel Tips
- Walk, cycle, or use public transport wherever possible.
- Park and ride services are your best bet for easy city access.
- Prepare for delays and plan alternative routes in advance.
With crowds expected by the thousands, it pays to stay one step ahead of the traffic jams as HMS Queen Elizabeth makes her grand entrance.
