M27 roadworks to begin at peak junction near Fareham next week
WORK to improve a roundabout at a peak M27 junction will begin next week.
The £23m project will increase the capacity of the junctions and improve traffic flows by widening the roundabouts.
It will also see additional lanes added to to the motorway slip roads and the installation of traffic lights at Parkway South roundabout.
Hampshire County Council (HCC) say that the scheme will scheme will reduce congestion and unlock economic development.
The roadworks will begin on Monday and are expected to be completed in summer 2022.
Skanska have been appointed to carry out the work, the council have said.
The work beginning on June 1 will include: Earthworks for the embankment on the western side of Whiteley Way between M27 Junction 9 and Parkway South roundabout, road crossings and ducting at Parkway South roundabout.
Additional phases of work is scheduled to begin in mid-July.
The scope of future phases will depend on any ongoing social distancing measures that may remain in place and government guidance.
The project is jointly funded by Hampshire County Council and Highways England.
HCC says that the existing high levels of congestion and delay at Junction 9 in peak periods, particularly on the off-slip roads, cause operational and safety issues on the M27 and cause a high level of frustration for those caught up in it.
Combined with development of 3,500 extra homes in the north of Whiteley, this means that an improvement scheme is much needed so that people can access the shopping centre, cinema, restaurants, Solent Business Park and the further afield Segensworth Business Park, without delay.
Rob Humby, deputy leader of the council, said: ‘Peak time traffic has been known to cause queues and congestion at junction 9 which can extend back along the motorway.’