A MAJOR motorway is set to close for an entire weekend next month, sparking chaos for thousands of drivers.
National Highways have urged motorists to plan ahead and check the diversion routes when the closure comes into effect at the end of the month.
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The southbound side of the M271 will be shut between the Rownhams Interchange (M27 Junction 3) and Junction 1, also known as the Nursling Interchange.
This will take place from 9pm on May 30 until 6am on June 2.
Additionally, the road exiting from Junction 1 at Nursling will also be inaccessible.
National Highways said the closure is required as a safety measure while a contractor carries out maintenance works, including concrete block replacements.
A diversion route will be in place, guiding drivers north on the M271, then south along the A3057, and west via Brownhill Way.
The closure order will take effect on May 28 and will be valid for up to 18 months, though the actual construction is anticipated to last only one weekend.
For full details, drivers can view the official public notice on the National Highways website.
Clear signage will also be installed to show both the temporary closures and the designated detour route.
Contractors will carry out the work on behalf of National Highways.
For more information, the public can reach the National Highways Customer Contact Centre by calling 0300 123 5000 or by emailing info@nationalhighways.co.uk.
This comes as locals residents in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, are facing nearly half a year of diversions in order to facilitate key gas works.
Gas distribution company SGN’s project will involve replacing 2.2 miles of gas mains on Upper Grosvenor Road and kicked off earlier today.
SGN said: “It’s part of a 30-year programme to replace our old metal mains reaching the end of their useful lives with new plastic pipe.”
The gas network upgrades were greenlit to provide an efficient and safe gas supply to residents, they added.
Diversions will be put down to alert motorists and vehicle access for locals will continue to be accommodated.