Portsmouth: 'Traffic chaos' after burst sewer on major route

A burst sewer has caused Southern Water to close part of Eastern Road

The closure of a main route for the third time in recent months due to a burst sewer has caused "traffic chaos".

The southbound stretch of Eastern Road in Portsmouth is expected to be shut until Tuesday afternoon.

The road is a major route into the city, and has been closed several times recently due to similar issues that required fixing by Southern Water.

Southern Water said the sewer burst on Wednesday and it was working with the city council on a long-term solution.

Commuters told BBC Radio Solent that the traffic was an "absolute nightmare", with one adding: "All the roads into Portsmouth have been blocked up - there's traffic everywhere."

Another said: "It just seems to be one leak after another, they don't seem to be fixing it properly."

One commuter described the traffic as an "absolute nightmare"

Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson, cabinet member for transport at Portsmouth City Council, told BBC Radio Solent: "It's really disappointing that it looks as if lack of investment over many years by Southern Water means that the sewers are not fit for purpose, and that they are bursting - causing real problems for local people."

He added that it looked as if there was a "very long-term problem" with the sewage system around Eastern Road.

Portsmouth sits on an island, with only three routes for traffic to go in and out of the city.

Mr Vernon-Jackson said this meant "when you shut one of them, it causes traffic chaos".

Southern Water said: "Our teams are on site and tankers have been deployed to assist with removing excess water and to avoid flooding".

The company warned people travelling to Portsmouth to plan their journey and allow extra time.

"We are working with Portsmouth City Council to address the need for further future emergency repairs along the length of the sewer main with a long-term solution," the company added.

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