A stretch of the A34 near Winchester that has been closed since Friday night is expected to reopen at 6am tomorrow, National Highways has confirmed.
The road is shut from junction nine of the M3 to the A272 at Three Maids Hill.
National Highways closed the road to allow emergency tree felling work to be carried out to keep road users safe during Storm Darragh.
The highways agency expects the closure to be lifted tomorrow morning.
A spokesperson said: “The A34 remains closed in both directions between the M3 J9 (Winnall) and the A272 (Three Maids Hill) to allow for emergency tree felling.
“The closure is expected to remain in place until 6am tomorrow morning.”
Read more: A34 to be closed all weekend as Storm Darragh brings 60mph winds
Read more: Storm Darragh LIVE in Hampshire
Winchester has experienced heavy traffic today because of the A34 closure and the reopening of the cathedral's Christmas market.
At midday, a spokesperson for bus company Stagecoach said: “We are currently experiencing severe congestion within the city due to the Christmas Market and closure of the A34.
“This is having an impact on all services today. Our apologies.”
#Winchester We are currently experiencing severe congestion within the City due to the Christmas Market and closure of the A34. This is having an impact on all services today. Our apologies. Derek. pic.twitter.com/KUk5hWnenc
— Stagecoach South (@StagecoachSouth) December 8, 2024
When National Highways announced the A34 closure, Robert Bell, network operations manager for the south east, said: “Safety is our priority and we are undertaking this emergency work to help keep road users safe.
“We apologise for any disruption, but the circumstances of Storm Darragh – and the high winds we are expecting over the next 48 hours – has prioritised this work.
“I can reassure people that our contractors are working at pace and in challenging conditions to minimise inconvenience for those who regularly use this road by carrying out the work overnight and across the weekend when traffic levels are at their lightest.
“We understand the impact this type of closure has on those living and working nearby, and that Winchester will be extremely busy, particularly at peak times, so please plan your journey accordingly and allow extra time to travel.”
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