M27 roadworks: Junction 5 to Junction 7 to fully reopen later this month - but there's still a catch
Roadworks on the M27 will be completed later this month - finally.
It feels like a lifetime ago that the M27 was fully operational, with a myriad of traffic cones, temporary road markings and concrete barriers feeling like part and parcel of the daily commute.
The worst offending area was the stretch of road between Junction 5 and Junction 7, connecting Eastleigh with Hedge End - although the roadworks ran down as far as the River Hamble. But now, that work is drawing to a close.
According to National Highways, work will conclude and all four lanes will be reopened by 6am on Tuesday, April 21.
Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Nick Adams-King, said: “That will be a welcome relief for everyone who uses this section of motorway - and I suspect we’ll all enjoy seeing four lanes open again.
“There is, however, one small catch. A temporary 50mph speed limit will remain in place while final testing is completed, with National Highways saying this will be lifted ‘later in the spring.’
“Now, I don’t want to be cynical, but in roadworks terms, ‘later in the spring’ has been known to drift gently into something resembling July. [But] progress, and very welcome progress at that.”
The roadworks have been carried out to fit a new asphalt surface for the motorway, sitting on top of the original concrete layer. Due to the thickness of the asphalt, further work was also required to existing barrier systems, drainage, structures and other assets.
Work is continuing at Junction 10 to facilitate the new Welborne Garden Village development, with Hampshire County Council suggesting that will be completed this coming winter.