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The motorway has been closed between Junctions 9 and 11 to allow for a key part of the project which has seen a preconstructed underpass created and then slide into position following the demolition of part of the motorway.
It took around 19 hours to move the 65 metres concreate box slide into position with specialists using advanced hydraulic equipment and millimetre accurate control mechanisms. The next phase of works involved the backfilling of approximately 6,000 tons of material and installing drainage.
Once this has been done then the motorway carriageway can be reconstructed over the top of the box slide allowing the motorway to then reopen - currently pencilled in for 4am on January 4. A diversion route is currently in place along the A27 during the 11-day closure.
Once complete the junction will allow entry and exit points in both directions of the motorway instead of just one way.
Here are pictures telling the story of the progress of the project so far:
5. Excavation of the M27 to create space for the box slide to be moved into place
Excavation of the M27 to create space for the box slide to be moved into place | HCC
6. The Box Slide is moved into place - create a new underpass underneath the motorway
The Box Slide is moved into place - to create a new underpass underneath the motorway | HCC Photo: HCC
7. The Box Slide is moved into place - create a new underpass underneath the motorway
The Box Slide is moved into place - to create a new underpass underneath the motorway | HCC
8. M27
The large concrete structure, which is creating the underpass, has been pushed into the hole on the M27 | Simon Czapp/Solent News Photo: Simon Czapp/Solent News