M27 reopens after underpass works finish a day early

A closed section of the M27 between junctions 11 and 9 reopened at 04:00 GMT after an 8,500-tonne underpass structure was slid into place as part of a £100m scheme; the work finished 24 hours ahead of schedule.

The closed section of the M27 between junction 11 (Fareham) and junction 9 (Segensworth) reopened to traffic at 04:00 GMT after major engineering works. The closure began on Christmas Eve to allow construction of an underpass to serve the planned Welborne Garden Village. Engineers slid an 8,500-tonne, four-lane structure 65m (213ft) into an excavated trench using the box slide method. Hampshire County Council said the work formed part of a £100m scheme and was completed 24 hours ahead of schedule. Key facts: - The M27 had been closed in both directions between junctions 11 and 9 since Christmas Eve and reopened at 04:00 GMT. - An 8,500-tonne, four-lane underpass structure was slid 65m into place in a single operation. This was the first use of the box slide method in Hampshire. - A team of about 130 staff worked through the Christmas period to complete the operation. The project finished 24 hours earlier than planned. - Lane restrictions and a 50mph speed limit remain while crews complete the remaining work. - The scheme is part of a £100m project to provide access to Welborne Garden Village, funded by the Buckland Group, with National Highways and contractor VolkerFitzpatrick working alongside the council. Summary: Reopening a day early reduced the planned period of road closure and restored traffic flow sooner than expected. Crews continue finishing work under lane restrictions and a temporary 50mph limit as the remaining tasks are completed.