M3 junction 9 improvements
We’re proposing to change junction 9, so it has free-flowing links between the M3 and the A34 in both directions
Latest updates
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15 November 2024
Road works postponed on the Spitfire Link (A272)
We have postponed the installation of temporary two-way traffic lights on the Spitfire Link (A272) that were scheduled to be operational from Monday 18 November to Wednesday 20 November 2024.
As soon as we know when this work will take place, we will update this scheme page.
Our apologies for the late notice on this change of plan.
Please remember that closures can change at short notice. You can check the latest information on our daily closures page or find live travel information on our Traffic England website. Our travel alerts give details of live incidents on our network.
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13 November 2024
Temporary Two-Way Traffic Lights Spitfire Link A272
Temporary two-way traffic lights will be installed on the Spitfire Link (A272) during the daytime on Tuesday 12 November 2024.
These traffic lights will also be in place during the daytime on Monday 18 November, Tuesday 19 November and Wednesday 20 November 2024.
The lights will be operational after peak time traffic, between 9.30am and 4pm.
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31 October 2024
M3 junction 9 closed southbound overnight Friday 1 November
The M3 southbound between slips roads at junction 9 will be closed overnight on Friday 1 November 2024.
The diversion is up and over the closed section via the exit slip road, across the roundabout and back onto the M3 on the entry slip road to continue southbound.
As with most of our overnight closures, it's scheduled to start at 9pm and end at 6am, but this can change depending on the volume of traffic and when we can close the road safely.
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25 September 2024
Early works starting in October 2024
We’re planning to start our early works which will allow us to start main construction next year. The works will begin from Friday 11 October, and will include:
Compound construction and vegetation management
We’ll be carrying out necessary vegetation clearance to prepare for the site compound. We’ll do this carefully, with thorough checks to protect wildlife. In some areas we’ll plant new vegetation to support habitats for species like dormice.
For the site compound, we’ll begin installing services, foundations, and parking for offices and welfare facilities. The site entrance on the A272 Spitfire Link will also be improved for safer access.
Most work will take place during daytime hours on weekdays, away from roads. Occasional night work will require lane closures, we’ll issue advance signage with more information.
Archaeological surveys
From mid-October 2024, we’ll be undertaking archaeological investigations in the areas being used for the site compound.
This will involve some stripping and replacing of the top layers of soil to allow mapping. All work will take place during daytime hours on weekdays away from the road. You can find out more about these archaeological investigations under in the project overview section.
Please note, the Transport Secretary has commissioned a review of the Department for Transports’ spending portfolio, including current and future road schemes. While the review is ongoing, we’re continuing with the preparatory works and remain committed to the project.The Secretary of State’s written statement to Parliament of 30 July 2024 is here: Transport infrastructure review - GOV.UK
If you have any questions, or would like to know about our work, please contact us on 0300 123 5000, or email M3Junction9Improvements@nationalhighways.co.uk. -
17 May 2024
Decision approved
Yesterday our Development Consent Order was granted by the Transport Minister.
This means that we can now start work on improving junction 9 of the M3.
We will continue to work closely with local communities to keep them informed and minimise disruption as we move into the construction phase.
We will provide further updates on the progress of our plans and start of works in due course. You can also sign up for these updates to be emailed out to you automatically.
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05 February 2024
February update
We’re in the ‘Recommendation and Decision’ stage of our DCO (Development Consent Order) for the M3 Junction 9 Improvement Scheme. We’re expecting a decision from the Secretary of State for Transport by May 2024. Should the DCO be granted, we will start construction in early 2025.
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24 November 2023
Our proposals reach next stage of the DCO process
Good news - we’ve now reached the next stage of our DCO (Development Consent Order) for the M3 Junction 9 Improvement Scheme. We’re now entering the ‘Recommendation and Decision’ stage - this process takes six months, with a decision from the Secretary of State for Transport expected by May 2024. Should the DCO be granted, we will start construction in early 2025.
Changes to junction 9 will bring a host of benefits. Read about these across this project page where you can find out more about the improvements that have been put forward and how they will benefit road users and businesses, as well as leaving a legacy of environmental enhancements for years to come.
Project information
Overview
The M3 connects south Hampshire with London, the Midlands and the North.
Traffic levels are heavy at junction 9 between the M3 and A34, resulting in lengthy queues on the northbound off-slip of the M3 and A272 Spitfire Link, affecting journey times and road safety.
We’re proposing to change the junction so that it has free-flowing links between the M3 and the A34 in both directions.
Our proposals would also see the junction widened and two new bridges build on the gyratory, allowing the M3 to increase from 3 lanes to 4 as it passes through the junction.
We’ll also extended the southbound slip onto the M3 so traffic has more time to join the motorway and improve the safety of the junction with upgraded signs and gantries.
Walker, cyclists and horse-riders will also benefit from our scheme with non-motorised routes connecting Kings Worthy and Winnall and Long Walk and Easton Lane.
Early works - Archaeology
The M3 junction 9 is surrounded by areas of significant archaeological interest.
As part of this project’s commitments, we’re working with relevant archaeological specialists to ensure these areas are protected ahead of and during our improvement work.
Did you know?
Winchester is known to have an important archaeological history with physical evidence of all aspects of human activity, from earliest prehistory to the late 20th century.
These range from settlement sites, farming, land division, burial, and ritual activities through to designed landscapes, transportation, industrial and military sites.
You can find out more about the historical findings of Winchester and surrounding area, including prior to the construction of the M3, on Winchester County Council's website.
Many artefacts are on display at the Winchester City Museum and the Westgate Museum.
What we’ve been doing
We’re working very closely with the City Archaeologist and have been carrying out archaeological surveys in the areas where we’ll be working.
This helps ensure that remains can be salvaged where possible. We can also can better understand the requirements for further exploration and reduce our impact on other artefacts. So far this has involved:
Desk-based assessment
Review of existing historic environmental data, such as reports from the surveys carried out during the construction of the M3 in the 1970s and 1980s and examination of historic mapping, LiDAR (light detection and radar) and aerial photographs.
Geophysical surveys
Magnetometry was used to reveal below-ground archaeological features and remains which might be present.
Trial trenching evaluations
Trenches were excavated by machine tools to further investigate anomalies identified during the geophysical surveys.
Ground Investigation Works
In 2021 Wessex Archaeology oversaw ground investigation works which involved the monitoring of mechanically excavated trial pits to the north of junction 9. No archaeological features were recorded, and no artefacts recovered.
These assessments and investigations have shown evidence of human activity from the prehistoric period through to the modern day. This includes part of the prehistoric settlement at Winnall Down, along with a small number of undated features. A large-scale strip, map and sample excavation will be carried out prior to the start of main construction to preserve these remains.
We will also take borehole samples at selected locations, along with geoarchaeological and paleoenvironmental assessments, to better understand the evolution of the local landscape such as farming and industry and human responses to change over time.
Benefits
Our scheme will
- Improve safety, journey times and air quality
- Reduce congestion and noise levels
- Provide better routes for walkers, cyclists and horse riders
- Increase road capacity and support economic growth
Our improvements will provide a safer and more integrated network, bringing real benefits to people who use this junction daily.
Documents
Development Consent Order - Register of Requirements
The Secretary of State for Transport granted the Development Consent Order (DCO) for the M3 Junction 9 improvements scheme on 16 May 2024. Following this, we have been preparing the necessary information ahead of the discharge of the Requirements.
Requirements are planning conditions included in the DCO that relate to all or part of the works. They each require documents to be prepared, consulted upon by defined organisations and submitted to the Secretary of State for approval. These processes are referred to here and in the DCO as “discharging” the requirements.
This Requirements Register is a live document and will be updated as the process to discharge the requirements progresses.
The latest version will always be published below:
This register will be maintained for three years following completion of the project. The register sets out:
- each requirement
- whether the requirement needs approval by the Secretary of State (or other duty holder)
- whether any approval has been applied for or given
Please note, since then the Transport Secretary has commissioned a review of the Department for Transport's spending portfolio, including current and future road schemes. While the review is ongoing, we remain committed to the scheme and have a dedicated team in place.
The Secretary of State’s written statement to Parliament of 30 July 2024 is contained in the Transport infrastructure review.
Related Road projects
Traffic information
Information about scheduled roadworks and events on our motorways and major roads.X
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