M275: Large fire closes major Portsmouth motorway for second time

A key motorway in Hampshire has closed for a second time as a result of a large fire at a waste processing plant.

The M275 into and out of Portsmouth was closed in both directions as a result of “thick, black smoke” from the fire at TJ Waste & Recycling, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary said.

The motorway reopened just after 08:30 BST on Saturday with a reduced speed limit of 50mph in place, but just after 11:00 police said the road was closed again.

The force said the smoke was “too thick for the road to be safe to use” and urged people to avoid the area.

“The M275 is currently closed in all directions and closures are in place from Mile End Road and Rudmore roundabout in Portsmouth,” said a spokesperson for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary.

“We urge people to avoid the area and make alternative travel arrangements while emergency services deal with the incident.”

A spokesperson for TJ Waste & Recycling said there were no staff on site at the time of the fire, and that the area of the fire contained “non-hazardous domestic and commercial waste”.

“The facility will be closed until further notice,” they said.

“This is the first time anything like this has happened here and we apologise for the disruption caused to the public following closure of the motorway for safety reasons.”

Earlier on Saturday, witnesses reported a strong smell, as well as heavy traffic on the motorway.

“Our colleagues from the Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service are dealing with a large fire at TJ Waste & Recycling,” said a spokesperson from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary on Saturday morning.

“Due to the thick, black smoke they have requested our assistance to close both carriageways of the M275 into and out of Portsmouth, whilst they get the situation under control.”

Residents were advised to keep their doors and windows shut.