A major £100 million motorway upgrade is set to open within days to end two years of works in Hampshire as it completes ahead of schedule. The revamped M27 Junction 10 will begin opening in phases from September 14, introducing new slip roads, an underpass and four roundabouts.
Once fully operational, it is expected to handle around 30,000 vehicles a day and provide the infrastructure needed to support up to 6,000 new homes planned for the area. The junction will also create new direct connections through the A3222, linking the M27 with Fareham, Wickham, Whiteley, Southampton and Portsmouth.
Works began in autumn 2024 and it was due to begin opening from winter 2026. However, in September, the westbound off-slip road, new underpass and four roundabouts are due to open. The eastbound and westbound on-slip roads are expected to follow later in the autumn.
National Highways project lead Andrew Jackson said temporary 50mph speed limits would remain between Junctions 9 and 11 while further testing is carried out on the junction’s signals and lighting.
Hampshire County Council leader Nick Adams-King, whose council delivered the project, said the scheme would help drive economic growth across Hampshire and the Solent region.
“It brings jobs to the area,” he said, adding that residents should be “really proud” that most of the contractors involved in the project came from Hampshire.
The scheme has been delivered largely by engineering and construction firm VolkerFitzpatrick.
One of its most challenging elements was the construction of a new motorway underpass, which was installed beneath the M27 during the Christmas period using an engineering technique known as a “box slide”.
The huge 60-metre (197ft) concrete structure was built before being pushed 65 metres (213ft) into position underneath the motorway.
There will also be overnight closures during the weekend immediately before the phased opening in September as final preparations are carried out.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
