Significant work has recently been carried out by National Highways to enhance Hampshire’s M27 motorway – and now, the project is moving to its next stage.

The eastbound carriageway, between junctions 5 and 7, has benefitted from a new road surface, optimised drainage, and improved safety barriers. Now, however, motorists have been advised that the focus of the project will switch to the westbound carriageway. 

Low-noise, drainage, and safety improvements have been major priorities 

Programme Delivery Manager for National Highways, Richard Scrase, declared that the Government-owned company had “made great progress, and our work to improve the eastbound carriageway of the M27 between junctions 5 and 7 is now complete.” 

He continued: “We are now gearing up to do the same and provide a low-noise road surface, make significant drainage improvements to the road, and safety improvements to the central reservation on the westbound carriageway.” 

The concrete overlay project between the two junctions began in February 2024, with an anticipated end date of spring 2026. 

The improvement works – which come with an estimated construction cost of £83 million – have been aimed at providing a low-noise surface, bolstering safety, and extending the road’s lifespan, in addition to giving motorists a smoother ride. 

What has been completed so far on the M27 project? 

National Highways has said it is now at the scheme’s “halfway point”, following the successful resurfacing of the M27’s eastbound carriageways. 

Since early last year when the project began in earnest, the company has: 

  • Removed over 10,000m3 of earth – sufficient to fill more than 850 tipper trucks 
  • Repaired 3,574m of drainage pipes
  • Undertaken 704 repairs to the carriageway’s concrete slabs 
  • Repaired 43,094m of joints between concrete slabs 
  • Installed a new surface comprising 47,389 tonnes of asphalt 
  • Put in place 9,843m of safety barrier 
  • Installed 6,229m of surface water drainage 

Overnight closures are set to happen between 9pm and 6am during May. Specific details on closures and diversions are outlined on the National Highways website. 

Why is the M27 enhancement scheme so necessary? 

According to the Government-owned company, nearly 400 miles – or 4% – of the motorway and major A-road network in England consists of concrete roads. 

National Highways has said that as part of its commitment to delivering the Government’s second Road Investment Strategy to maintain and renew the strategic road network, around half of these roads will be replaced or undergo repairs by 2025. 

The company has stated that in the case of the M27, it will be drawing upon innovative techniques and new technology to provide a modern road that lasts for several more decades, and which will allow for quicker and easier repairs in the future. 

The guidance and expertise of leading transport consultants is close at hand 

To help gain the best possible results from your own projects, why not enquire today to your closest Transport Planning Associates (TPA) office? 

Our skilful, knowledgeable, and experienced transport consultants can bring you the benefit of tailored transport planning and infrastructure advice. In the process, our experts can support your efforts to deliver innovative and cost-effective outcomes for your next scheme.