Press release

Traffic bulletin: Improvements for the M27 near Southampton, Hampshire

Work will start next week on the second of two major improvements on the M27 near Southampton

The upgrade to junction 3 is part of the Government’s £317 million pinch point programme on motorways and major trunk roads to be delivered by 2015. This, along with the upgrade to junction 5 which started in August, is part of the biggest programme of road enhancements since the 1970s and will reduce congestion, increase safety and improve journey times.

The improvements at both junctions will see additional lanes added on some approach roads and sections of the roundabouts as well as new traffic signals to increase capacity. The work will involve narrow lanes with reduced speed limits and overnight closures. It is due to be completed, weather permitting, by Spring 2015.

Highways Agency Project Sponsor Ed French said:

The additional capacity on these two busy junctions will allow the roundabouts to work more efficiently to reduce congestion and improve journey times. We will widen certain approaches and install new traffic signals to improve the flow of traffic for the thousands of drivers at both junctions.

We have planned the work carefully to minimise disruption and will carry out as much of the work as possible overnight, when traffic flows are at their lowest. I advise anyone wishing to use either junction to plan their journeys and to allow extra time.

On-road improvements at junction 3 will start on Monday 10 November. They will see the westbound exit slip road widened to three lanes. Traffic signals will be added on the roundabout for the southbound M271 entry onto the roundabout.

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 5 November 2014