Press release

Improvement work starts at M3 junction 6 Black Dam pinch point near Basingstoke

Work starts on Monday 13 October on the initial phase of improvements on the M3 Black Dam roundabout near Basingstoke.

The project is part of the Government’s £317 million pinch point programme announced in November 2011. It is part of the biggest programme of road enhancements since the 1970s and will reduce congestion, increase safety and improve journey times and the local economy. The Highways Agency is working in partnership with Hampshire County Council and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to deliver this scheme.

A four-lane carriageway will be built through the Black Dam roundabout; all approaches to the roundabout will be widened and realigned and a refuge island for cyclists and pedestrians on the A30 opposite Redbridge Lane will be built.

From Monday 13 October, narrow lanes and a 30mph speed limit will be in place. Work is scheduled to be completed, weather permitting, by summer 2015.

Ed French, Assistant Service Delivery Manager at the Highways Agency said:

This is a big upgrade for this busy junction and will bring substantial benefits to road users, business and the general public. The improvements we’re making will help to support the 13,220 jobs being created by the Basingstoke and Dean and Basing View developments by 2020, and will also help support local plans to create of 4,080 homes by 2020. We have carefully planned the work to ensure it has the least possible impact. I would advise local residents and anyone wishing to use the M3 to attend the exhibition to find out more about the work and how it may affect them.

Routine maintenance will also be carried out during the closures.

Details of this project are available on the Highways Agency website: www.highways.gov.uk/m3blackdam. Please subscribe to the scheme to receive email alerts when the information is updated.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways Agency press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

Published 10 October 2014