Traffic Chaos After Portway Closes Over Flooding Risks
There were major traffic problems this morning, after the Portway was closed through rush hour over concerns of flooding.
On Monday morning the Portway flooded to a depth of approximately eight inches in the outbound lane. Bristol City Council announced they were putting closures into affect for short durations ahead of the high tides this week.
They are advising drivers it is best to avoid the Portway and the surrounding area during the closures until Thursday morning when things are expected to be back to normal.
The Portway will be closed or partially closed during these times:
Tuesday morning:
The tide is predicted to be 300mm higher than on Monday and therefore will extend further into the carriageway, possibly flooding the full width.
The Portway will be closed outbound between 07.30 - 0845 hrs, with partial closures on the inbound side.
Tuesday night:
On Tuesday evening the tide will be 100mm higher than on Tuesday morning so it should only impact significantly on the outbound carriageway.
The Portway will be closed outbound between 2015 - 2115 hrs.
Wednesday morning:
On Wednesday morning the tide will be 200mm higher than Monday morning so the outbound lane will again need to be closed and the council again say they are prepared to close the inbound lane if necessary.
The Portway will be closed on the outbound carriageway between 0815 - 0930 hrs, with partial closures on the inbound side.
We spoke to Duncan Venison who is the Network Operations Manager for Bristol City Council. He says they know this will cause problems for drivers but there is not an option because of safety concerns:
"Closing one of the main arterial routes in and out of the city is obviously going to cause some disruption. Now what we would obviously ask people to do it to allow extra time for their journies. If you can avoid the Portway altogether use roads like the A369 or of course use Jacobs Well Road use Whiteladies Road etc and head out towards Shirehamton that way. Inbound, again if you can divert away from the Portway if possible then that would be very much appreciated, you may find that there are queues heading up towards the Silvenway traffic lights on the Portway because it will be reduced down to one lane."
We asked him what will happen if they do have to close off the inbound as well as outbound carriageway: "That traffic will actually follow a diversion which is actually already set up. We have a permanent diversion in place on the Portway because it is closed a number oif times throughout the year for various events like the Bristol Half Marathon and Bristol's Biggest Bike Ride. So we do actually have a permanent diversion set up so if you are heading inbound you'll be following signs or little symbols which say C for centre." On top of the closures on the Portway, a more general flood warning has been issued for the Somerset Coast. The Environment Agency say low lying land and roads are at risk and residents are advised to move vehicles to higher ground where appropriate.
You can get more information by calling the Environment Agency Floodline on 08459881188.
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