M27 Closure Between Junctions 9 and 11: New Infrastructure Work Set to Improve Fareham Junction in the UK

In a significant update for travelers in Hampshire, the M27 motorway will be temporarily closed between Junctions 9 and 11 during the upcoming Christmas and New Year period in 2025. This closure is a critical part of ongoing efforts to improve Junction 10 (also known as the Fareham Junction), with major construction activities taking place as part of a wider £100 million infrastructure project.

Key Closure Details

Hampshire County Council has confirmed that a pre-constructed concrete box, which will form a new underpass underneath the M27, will be “slid into position” during the festive period. This method, known as a box-slide, is considered to be the most efficient way to install the underpass with minimal disruption. The pre-fabricated box will be positioned during the school holidays when traffic volumes are typically lower, thereby reducing the impact on commuters and holiday travel.

A spokesperson for the county council highlighted that this project is a key element of the overall improvement plan for Junction 10, which aims to ease congestion and improve local traffic flow. The full closure of the M27 between Junctions 9 and 11 will be required during this operation, which is expected to cause some temporary inconvenience to drivers.

Although the exact closure dates are not yet confirmed, detailed travel advice and updated schedules will be made available on the scheme’s website closer to the event. Drivers are advised to keep an eye on the website for the latest information.

Why This Closure Is Necessary

The £100 million project forms part of a broader plan to improve the infrastructure around Fareham, enabling the development of Welborne Garden Village—a planned community designed to accommodate up to 6,000 new homes and generate thousands of new jobs. The junction improvements, including the installation of the new underpass, will help facilitate the area’s expansion and enhance connectivity.

One of the most significant aspects of the Junction 10 overhaul is the transformation of the junction into an “all moves” junction. This will allow traffic to flow more smoothly and reduce congestion at key points along the M27. The upgraded junction will include three new slip roads and a new dual carriageway that will better connect the area to the existing road network, offering both local and regional traffic improved access.

The Long-Term Impact on Traffic and Travel

The planned upgrades are expected to have a profound effect on traffic flow, particularly around the Fareham area, which has been known for heavy congestion, particularly during peak hours. By enhancing local roadways and infrastructure, the improvements are set to ease bottlenecks and provide a more efficient route for commuters traveling through the region.

Additionally, the project will introduce new provisions to improve accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders. These changes aim to create a more sustainable and accessible transportation network, in line with Hampshire County Council’s long-term goals to promote environmentally friendly travel options and enhance safety for non-motorized users.

The Welborne Garden Village itself will benefit from these upgrades, as the enhanced infrastructure will support the village’s residential and commercial growth. The new homes and employment opportunities in the area will require robust transportation solutions, and the M27 improvements are designed to meet these future demands. The scheme is expected to improve both local connectivity and regional access, offering a long-term solution to the growing population in the Fareham and surrounding areas.

The Box-Slide Technique: Minimizing Disruption

The use of the “box-slide” method for the installation of the underpass is a unique approach that aims to minimize disruption to both the local community and traveling public. This technique involves the pre-fabrication of the underpass section offsite, allowing it to be moved into place with minimal on-site construction activity. As a result, the overall duration of road closures is significantly reduced compared to traditional methods of construction, providing a faster solution with less impact on road users.

The box-slide operation will take place over the Christmas and New Year period when traffic volumes are typically lower due to the school holidays. This timing helps to reduce the number of commuters affected by the road closure and allows for smoother logistics during the installation process.

The use of innovative techniques like the box-slide reflects Hampshire County Council’s commitment to delivering this complex project in the most efficient way possible. It is a testament to their ongoing efforts to balance major infrastructure improvements with the needs and convenience of road users.

Ongoing Works and the Road Ahead

Work on the improvements to Junction 10 began in late 2024 and is expected to continue until the winter of 2026. As a significant investment in the region’s future, the project will provide long-term benefits for both local residents and visitors. In addition to the major upgrades to the motorway junction, the project will also involve improvements to surrounding roads and infrastructure.

While the M27 closure between Junctions 9 and 11 during the festive season is one of the most disruptive elements of the project, the overall impact on road users will be minimized thanks to careful planning and the use of efficient construction methods. The county council has committed to providing clear communication and travel guidance throughout the project to ensure that commuters are well informed and able to plan their journeys accordingly.

As with any major infrastructure project, temporary inconveniences are inevitable, but the long-term benefits of the M27 improvements will be felt by commuters, businesses, and residents for years to come. Hampshire County Council has emphasized that while the disruption caused by the closure will be temporary, the end result will significantly improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and support economic development in the region.

What Travelers Need to Know

Travelers who regularly use the M27 between Junctions 9 and 11 should prepare for the full closure of this section during the Christmas and New Year period in 2025. Alternative routes and travel advice will be published well in advance of the closure to help drivers plan their journeys and avoid unnecessary delays. The full closure will be in place to facilitate the sliding of the pre-constructed underpass into position, and once completed, this underpass will form a crucial part of the improved infrastructure at Junction 10.

For those looking to avoid the closure, Hampshire County Council will provide updates on alternative routes and detours on its website. Travelers should regularly check the council’s online resources for up-to-date information on the closure dates, expected duration, and other important details related to the project.

In addition to the roadworks on the M27, drivers should be aware that the wider project will result in ongoing construction in the surrounding area over the next few years. With a planned completion date in 2026, the improvements will eventually lead to smoother traffic flows, enhanced local connectivity, and support for the continued development of the Welborne Garden Village.

Final Thoughts

While the upcoming M27 closure between Junctions 9 and 11 will inevitably cause some temporary disruption, the long-term benefits of the infrastructure improvements cannot be overstated. By upgrading the junction, enhancing connectivity, and supporting the development of Welborne Garden Village, this project is a key milestone in Hampshire’s efforts to create a modern, efficient, and sustainable transport network.

Travelers are urged to stay informed and plan their journeys in advance to minimize the impact of the road closure. With innovative construction techniques and a commitment to clear communication, Hampshire County Council aims to ensure that the project proceeds smoothly while minimizing inconvenience to road users. The M27 closure may be a temporary inconvenience, but the future improvements will deliver lasting benefits for the region’s residents, commuters, and businesses.