Disruption expected with weekend closure of the M3 to start tonight as crucial junction 9 improvement work continues

The closure is taking place between junction 8 and 9 from 9pm tonight (February 13) until 6am on Monday, February 16. It is the second of two scheduled weekend closures which are required to enable workers to safely put in place 40 metre, 100-tonne beams on either side of the junction.

At the end of January the beams were installed on the south side of the junction, where new bridges are being created, with the process set to be replicated on the north side this weekend.

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It is part of a multimillion pound project to increase the junctions capacity with extra homes being built in the area. Once the beams are in place, construction on the new roundabout will continue over the coming months, before fully opening to traffic in summer 2028.

Speaking ahead of the first weekend closure, Tom Beasley, National Highways senior project manager, said: “This junction is a key interchange for economic growth, connecting the ports of Southampton and Portsmouth to the rest of the country, and allowing millions of tonnes of freight to be shipped.

“It also provides a vital route for those travelling to the south coast, whether that’s for business or leisure. Changing the layout of the roundabout is fundamental to improving those links, and installing the first bridge beams this weekend marks a major milestone for the scheme.

“To do that safely, we need to close this stretch of the motorway and advise anyone travelling through the area to plan their journeys carefully and allow extra time where possible.”