Crucial tests carried out on innovative M27 box slide project after of 11-day motorway closure

An innovative project will see part of the M27 demolished so that the preconstructed ‘box’ can slide place to create a carriage way underneath for traffic, with the motorway then reconstructed on top of it.

The team working on behalf of the Hampshire County Council-led project have carried out a test which saw the box move by approximately half a metre ahead of the main operation which begins at 8pm this evening (December 24).

The advanced kit includes large hydraulic jacks, power packs, and precision monitoring systems. Watch the timelapse video embedded in this story capturing the installation of specialist equipment ahead of the box slide operation.

The M27 will be closed at 8pm this evening (December 24) between junctions 9 and 11, and is set to reopen on January 4 2026 with a diversion in place along the A27. A signed diversion route will be in place along the A27 throughout the closure, but it is expected to be extremely busy.

When complete, traffic will be able to enter and exit in both directions to and from junction 10. Currently this is only possible in one direction.

Key travel advice for road users:

• M27 closed in both directions between Junctions 9 (Whiteley) and 11 (Fareham) from 8pm on 24 December to 4am on 4 January.

• Signed diversion route via A27 – expect severe delays, especially 10am–4pm.

• Use public transport where possible, travel at quieter times, consider different routes, or ask if your journey is necessary.

Councillor Lulu Bowerman, Hampshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “Final preparations are complete, and from 8pm on Christmas Eve, a section of the M27 will close for the delivery of a major engineering operation. Work will continue around the clock to complete the job safely and as quickly as possible. If you are planning festive journeys over the coming days, please plan ahead, check your route, and consider whether you need to travel by road at all. We appreciate this will cause disruption and thank everyone for their understanding as we deliver these vital improvements.”

Andrew Jackson, National Highways Programme Manager, said: “We have worked closely with Hampshire County Council to prepare for these works and we’ll be working throughout the festive period to manage their impact.

“Traffic levels are much lower at this time of year but there will inevitably be significant delays at peak times. Our advice is to plan your journeys carefully and, if at all possible, avoid the area. These works allow us to accelerate this important scheme and help stimulate economic growth across the region and the building of up to 6,000 new homes and the creation of thousands of new jobs.”

Follow progress via Hampshire County Council’s social media and website updates: www.hants.gov.uk/M27-J10-xmas as well as The News’s website.