M27 50mph speed limit stays after £83 million roadworks are finally completed

50mph speed restrictions will remain in place on the M27 despite works being completed on a major resurfacing project which first started more two years ago.

National Highways has been carrying out works on the M27 between junctions five (Eastleigh) and seven (Hedge End) in a £83 million project to reduce noise, improve drainage and strengthen the central reservation.

The motorway has been gradually reopening to four lanes in each direction throughout the past few days. However the current 50mph speed limit will remain in place until June for ‘technology testing’.

National Highways said: "A temporary 50mph speed limit will remain in place while we do the final stage of testing and recommissioning with all lanes open.

"We'll remove this temporary limit once all testing is complete later in the spring."

Other M27 works

The project between junctions five and seven first began in February 2024 and is one of a number of roadwork schemes being carried out on the M27 - with large portions having been the subject of roadworks including at Hamble and Fareham.

It means that despite the works near Southampton finally coming to an end, the sight of roadworks and traffic restrictions is not going away any time soon.

National Highways has said that a scheme is still being developed to make repairs to the bridge joints at Hamble as well as help to protect it from severe weather. When agreed, a major project will then be carried out between junctions eight and nine.

Work is ongoing to upgrade Junction 10 of the M27 in a project being led by Hampshire County Council. This is to improve the infrastructure for the area as a result of the construction of nearby Welborne Garden Village where 6,000 new homes are being built. This has also led to the current lane restrictions and a 50mph limit being put in place.

Work has also begun to renew the signal at Junction 3 which will lead to each direction being closed overnight in turn, with more details expected to follow.

And the westbound stretch near Paulsgrove, just after junction 12, has also been subject to a 50mph speed limit for more than a year. (Watch the video embedded in the story)

A National Highways spokesperson said this was for “safety reasons due to significant damage to the parapet at Hillsley Underpass, which is located on this section, following a road traffic collision.”

It is not known when the repairs will be carried out.