Drivers face a major M27 closure between junctions 9 and 11 from Christmas Eve as Hampshire County Council prepares to install a new underpass at Junction 10, with the motorway shut until 4 January 2026.
The full closure affects both directions from 8pm on Tuesday 24 December until 4am on Sunday 4 January, enabling contractors to complete the M27 Junction 10 improvement project. Motorists should expect significant disruption during the Christmas and New Year period.
Hampshire County Council is implementing the closure to install an 8,500-tonne concrete underpass beneath the motorway. The structure will be slid 65 metres into position using innovative engineering techniques, avoiding months of future lane restrictions and overnight roadworks.
A signposted diversion will direct traffic along the A27 throughout the closure period. The alternative route is expected to experience heavy congestion, particularly between 10am and 4pm daily.
Councillor Lulu Bowerman, Cabinet Member for Highways at Hampshire County Council, confirmed that works will proceed continuously once the motorway closes. Teams will operate around the clock to complete the installation safely and efficiently.
During the closure, motorists cannot join the M27 eastbound or exit westbound at Junction 10. Westbound traffic from Portsmouth can leave at Junction 11, whilst eastbound vehicles from Southampton must exit at Junction 9.
Andrew Jackson, National Highways Programme Manager, acknowledged the works will cause delays despite reduced festive traffic levels. He emphasised the scheme’s importance for regional economic development, supporting 6,000 new homes and thousands of jobs.
Road users should consider alternative transport options, including public services, adjusted travel times, or different routes. The Gosport Ferry operates daily except Christmas Day, providing an additional option for some travellers.
The £100 million-plus scheme is funded entirely by the Buckland Group and Homes England, with Hampshire County Council delivering the project alongside National Highways. The development connects Fareham with the planned Welborne Garden Village.
The pre-constructed concrete structure weighs approximately 8,500 tonnes—2.5 times heavier than HMS Victory. Following installation, the motorway surface will be completely rebuilt above the new underpass.
Planning conditions for Welborne Garden Village restrict occupancy to 1,160 homes until the upgraded Junction 10 becomes operational. The development will eventually provide up to 6,000 residences alongside schools and community facilities near Fareham.
When completed in winter 2026, the underpass will feature four lanes in each direction, connecting northbound and southbound traffic with westbound slip roads. Integrated cycling and pedestrian routes will link Fareham Common with Welborne Garden Village.
The two-year construction programme aims to create a free-flowing junction whilst improving motorway access for the expanding region.
