Refurbishment of iconic Sails of the South begins in Portsmouth
Innovative traffic management to minimise disruption during 10-week project
Portsmouth City Council is set to begin the refurbishment of the iconic Sails of the South structure located on the M275, starting next week.
Originally unveiled in March 2001, the refurbishment aims to maintain the structure's safety and aesthetic appeal as Portsmouth celebrates its centenary year as a city.
Upgrading the Sails
The Sails of the South, also known as the Tri-Sail, features fabric sail panels that have reached the end of their functional life. Some panels have already been removed for safety reasons.
The project includes fitting all 27 new sail panels made from durable fabric that withstands coastal weather and requires minimal maintenance.
Specialist contractors will also inspect supporting booms and masts, addressing any fixings that require attention to ensure compliance with modern safety standards. The refurbishment is expected to extend the structure's lifespan by another 25 years.
Innovative traffic management
Due to the limited access to the central reservation where the works will occur, Enhanced Mobile Carriageway Closure (EMCC) will be utilized. This innovative approach allows workers safe access by slowing traffic for a few minutes rather than stopping it altogether or using extended lane closures.
This method is designed to minimize disruption on the M275, keeping traffic flowing smoothly while providing workers safe access. This is the first implementation of EMCC in the area, enabled by the council's investment in live traffic data technology.
Project timeline
Refurbishment work will commence on Tuesday 10th February following a night-time closure on Monday 9th February. The project is scheduled to take approximately 10 weeks, depending on weather conditions.
Cllr Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport, highlighted the importance of the project:
“The Sails of the South is an iconic feature that welcomes people into Portsmouth, so I'm delighted we've been able to provide the funding to get it looking tip-top for the Portsmouth 100 centenary celebrations.
“This essential work will make sure it stays safe, strong and attractive for years to come, while keeping disruption on the M275 to a minimum.”