Highways Agency - Safe roads, Reliable journeys, Informed travellers

The scheme to widen the M27 from three lanes to four between Junction 3 (M271) and Junction 4 (M3) was opened to traffic two months early on Friday 30 January 2009 and all works, including landscaping, are now complete with the exception of some signs on the approach to Junction 3 westbound. These signs are located beneath high voltage overhead cables and discussions are currently ongoing with the company concerned to enable this work to proceed.

Following 12 months of operation, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the scheme is currently underway. The results of this post opening project evaluation will be added to the web-site (expected Summer 2010).

The new widened M27 between Junctions 3 and 4, now in operation

The Project

The South Coast Multi Modal Study (SoCoMMS) identified the need for motorway widening between junction 3 (M271 to Southampton) and junction 4 (M3). The scheme proposes symmetrical widening from 3 to 4 lanes for both carriageways over a length of approximately 4km between junctions 3 and 4.

This section of the M27 carries approximately 121,000 vehicles per day and experiences congestion on a regular basis.

This scheme will reduce congestion, bring quicker and more reliable journey times, and improved safety. The scheme is to be built entirely within existing highway boundaries, minimising the impact on the environment and surrounding communities, and will bring real benefits to users.

The scheme entered the Government's Targeted Programme of Improvements (TPI) - now known as the Programme of Major Schemes in March 2005. 

Following an initial public exhibition held at Nursling & Rownhams Village Hall, Nursling on 18 and 19 November 2005, we developed the scheme design and published the Environmental Statement on 30 November 2006. A Non-Technical Summary leaflet of the Environmental Statement is available under the publication link above.

Following the publication of the Environmental Statement, a public exhibition was held on 12 and 13 January 2007 to allow the public to view the scheme details. Non-Technical Summary leaflets were distributed to local residents and Councils to provide an opportunity to comment on the Environmental Statement. The comment period ran for 12 weeks and closed on 22 February 2007.

The Secretary of State's decision letter authorising the scheme to proceed to construction was issued on 3 May 2007. The approved budget for the scheme is £52m.

The design and build contract was awarded to Costain on 17 October 2007 and a pre-construction exhibition was held at Nursling and Rownhams village hall, Nursling, Southampton on Friday 1 February and Saturday 2 February 2008 to allow the public to meet the project team and discuss the works.

Construction commenced on 23 February 2008 and work on the central reserve phase was completed in early June. The works then transferred to the verges where verge widening, drainage and carriageway construction and installation of new motorway communications systems took place. The widening works were substantially completed on 19th December 2009 when the widened carriageways, incorporating the fourth lane, were opened to traffic. Commissioning of the motorway communications system was substantially completed in late January which enabled the 50mph speed restrictions to be lifted ahead of the official opening on Friday 30th January.

For further information about the scheme please contact the project team on 08457 50 40 30 or via M27Junctions3-4@highways.gsi.gov.uk.