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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16 April 2025
Traffic management closures: April and May
We’ve successfully installed the temporary CCTV and average speed cameras ahead of main work.
We’ll now begin installing narrow lanes and a reduced speed of 50mph, which we can only install overnight, in phases.
Below sets out our planned closures for the next few weeks. Once all the remaining temporary traffic management is installed, we’ll start the improvement works.
Please be aware it may be a few weeks before you see the workforce, there will be several preparatory activities that needs to be completed as well as work offline.
The overnight closures are planned to start from 9pm and end by 6am, but this can change depending on the volume of traffic and when we can close the lanes safely.
Closure
We're closing the M3 southbound carriageway, between junctions 8 and 10 overnight (9pm- 6am) on:
- Tuesday 22 April
- Wednesday 23 April
- Thursday 24 April
- Friday 25 April
Diversion
M3 junction 8 to 10 southbound diversion route map
Closure
Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 April
- A272 Spitfire Link at junction 9 closure (9pm - 6am)
Diversion
A272 Spitfire Link diversion route map
Closure
Thursday 01 May and 02 May
- A34 southbound at Three Maids Hill and the A33 southbound the Cart and Horse junction (9pm - 6am)
Diversion
A34 and A33 southbound diversion route map
Closure
Tuesday 6 May, Wednesday 7 May and Thursday 8 May
- M3 northbound carriageway between junctions 11 and 8 (9pm - 6am)
Diversion
M3 junction 11 to 8 northbound diversion route map
Closure
Thursday 15 and Friday 16 May
- M3 junction 9 northbound carriageway between slip roads (9pm - 6am)
Diversion
M3 junction 9 northbound between slips road diversion route map
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. Our travel alerts give details of live incidents on our network.
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03 April 2025
M3 junction 9 gyratory footpath closure
The M3 junction 9 gyratory footpath will be closed from 7 April 2025. This is to allow construction of the new M3 junction 9 gyratory.
From 7 April 2025 no pedestrian, cyclist or horse is permitted to use the footpath and it will remain closed until the new bridge is opened, which we’ll work hard to complete as soon as possible.
In the meantime, there are diversions in place depending on your mode of travel. You can view all the diversion routes here: M3 junction 9 footway closure diversions.
We understand this closure may cause some disruption. However, the improvements we’re delivering are more extensive than just junction 9 of the M3 and include new and improved Public Right of Way routes. We look forward to opening the footpath as soon as it is safe to do so.
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17 March 2025
Traffic management for March and April
There will be temporary two-way traffic lights on Spitfire Link (A272).
The lights will be operational after peak time traffic between 9.30am and 4pm on Friday 21 March 2025.Overnight on Monday 17, Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 March we are closing the M3 northbound carriageway, between junctions 9 and 8. Please note that you will not be able to access Moto Winchester Services (northbound) during these overnight closures.
Diversion
Exit the M3 at the northbound junction 9 enter the A34 northbound to the A303 eastbound to re-join the M3 at junction 8 to continue your journey.
View the M3 junction 9 to 8 northbound diversion.
Overnight on Thursday 20 and Friday 21 March we are closing the M3 northbound carriageway, between junctions 11 and 9.
Diversion
Exit the M3 at the northbound junction 11, use the A3090 then the B3040, the B3041, B3049, B3420, A34 eastbound to M3 junction 9 to continue your journey.
View the M3 junction 11 to 9 northbound diversion.
Overnight on Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 March we are closing the M3 southbound carriageway, between junctions 9 and 10.
Diversion
Exit the M3 at junction 9, use the A272 and A31 to M3 junction 10 to continue your journey.
M3 junction 9 to 10 southbound diversion.
Overnight on Wednesday 26, Thursday 27, and Friday 28 March we are closing the M3 southbound carriageway, between junctions 8 and 9.
Diversion
Exit the M3 at junction 8, use A303 westbound to the A34 southbound to junction 9 to continue your journey.
M3 junction 8 to 9 southbound diversion.
Overnight on Monday 31 March, Tuesday 1 April and Wednesday 2 April we are closing the A34 southbound at Three Maids Hill and the A33 southbound the Cart and Horse junction.
Diversion
View the A34 and A33 southbound diversions.
Overnight on Thursday 3 April we are closing the A34 northbound from junction 9 to Three Maids Hill and the A33 northbound from junction 9 to the Cart and Horse junction.
Diversion
View the A34 and A33 northbound diversions.
The overnight closures are planned to start from 9pm and end by 6am, but this can change depending on the volume of traffic and when we can close the lanes safely.
Daytime works
We will continue to remove areas of topsoil and carry out archaeological surveys. These activities will take place away from the road, but you may see workers and machinery nearby.
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07 March 2025
Public information events
We are hosting Public Information Events to provide more information about the project and what to expect during construction.
Our engagement van will be in the Tesco car park at Winnall on Saturday 15 and Monday 17 March 2025.
Colleagues in our design and delivery teams will be available on the day to answer questions you may have about the project.
Location: Tesco Extra car park, Winnall, SO23 7RS
Dates: Saturday 15 and Monday 17 March 2025
Times: 10am to 3pm
CCTV installation
From Monday 17 March we will be installing temporary CCTV and average speed cameras alongside the M3 at junction 9. These cameras will be covered and not be in use until main works begin on the scheme in late April.
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28 February 2025
Our work in March
Monday 3 March 2025
There will be temporary two-way traffic lights on Spitfire Link (A272).
The lights will be operational after peak time traffic between 9.30am and 4pm.Closures and diversions
The overnight closures are planned to start from 9pm and end by 6am, but this can change depending on the volume of traffic and when we can close the lanes safely.
Monday 3 March - Tuesday 4 March
- Overnight closure of the A272 Spitfire Link Road southbound.
Diversion
- Exit the M3 junction 9 roundabout onto Easton Lane
- Continue on Easton Lane to B3330 southbound
- Continue on the B3330 (Union Street, Eastgate Street, Bridge Street and Bar End Road), finishing at the M3 junction 10/A31
A272 Spitfire Link diversion route
Friday 28 February - Thursday 6 March
- Overnight closure of the M3 northbound entry slip road.
Diversion
- Enter the M3 southbound at junction 9
- Continue to junction 11
- Exit and rejoin the M3 northbound to junction 9 to continue your journey
Wednesday 12 March
- Overnight closure of the M3 junction 9 northbound carriageway, between slip roads.
Diversion
- Exit the M3 at the northbound junction 9 and rejoin the M3 northbound at junction 9 to continue your journey.
M3 junction 9 northbound diversion route
Wednesday 12 – Friday 14 March
- Overnight closure of the M3 southbound exit slip road.
Diversion
- Continue on the M3 southbound to junction 11, exit and rejoin the M3 northbound to junction 9 to continue your journey.
Daytime works
We will continue to remove areas of topsoil and carry out archaeological surveys. These activities will take place away from the road, but you may see workers and machinery nearby.
Apologies for any inconvenience our roadworks may cause to your journey.
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25 February 2025
Our work in February and March
Wednesday 26 to Friday 28 February 2025
Temporary two-way traffic lights on Spitfire Link (A272).
From 9am and 4pm, after peak time traffic.
Overnight closures (9pm to 6am)
Thursday 27 February
M3 junction 9 northbound carriageway, between slip roads.
Diversion
- exit the M3 at the northbound junction 9
- rejoin the M3 northbound at junction 9 to continue your journey
M3 junction 9 northbound diversion route
Monday 3 to Tuesday 4 March
A272 Spitfire Link road southbound.
Diversion
- exit the M3 junction 9 roundabout onto Easton Lane
- continue on Easton Lane to B3330 southbound
- continue on the B3330 (Union Street, Eastgate Street, Bridge Street and Bar End Road)
- finish at the M3 junction 10/A31.
A272 Spitfire link diversion route
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. Our travel alerts give details of live incidents on our network.
We apologies for any inconvenience these works may cause you.
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17 February 2025
M3 junction 9 traffic management update: February and March 2025
We are closing the M3 junction 9 northbound carriageway, between slip roads.
There will be closures overnight on Monday 17 February, Thursday 27 February and Friday 28 February.
The overnight closures are planned to start from 9pm and end by 6am, but this can change depending on the volume of traffic and when we can close the lanes safely.
M3 junction 9 northbound diversion
Exit the M3 at the northbound junction 9 and rejoin the M3 northbound at junction 9 to continue your journey.
View the M3 Junction 9 northbound diversion route map.
Overnight on Monday 3 March and Tuesday 4 March we are closing the A272 Spitfire Link road southbound.
The overnight closures are planned to start from 9pm and end by 6am, but this can change depending on the volume of traffic and when we can close the lanes safely.
The lights will be operational after peak time traffic between 9am and 4pm on the following dates:
- Wednesday 26 February 2025
- Thursday 27 February 2025
- Friday 28 February 2025
Daytime works
We will continue to remove areas of topsoil and conduct archaeological surveys. These activities will take place away from the road, but you may see workers and machinery nearby.
Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause to your journey.
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24 January 2025
M3 junction 9 traffic management update: January - February 2025
There will be temporary two-way traffic lights on Spitfire Link (A272) so we can install ducts along the northbound carriageway.
The lights will be operational after peak time traffic between 9am and 4pm on the following dates:
- Wednesday 29 January 2025
- Thursday 30 January 2025
- Friday 31 January 2025
- Monday 3 February 2025
- Tuesday 4 February 2025
- Wednesday 5 February 2025
- Thursday 6 February 2025 (contingency only)
Closure
Overnight on Wednesday 17 February, we are closing the M3 junction 9 northbound carriageway, between slip roads.
The overnight closures are planned to start at 8pm and end at 6am, but this can change depending on the volume of traffic and when we can close the lanes safely.
Diversion
- Exit the M3 at the northbound junction 9 and rejoin the M3 northbound at junction 9 to continue your journey.
M3 Junction 9 northbound diversion route
Daytime works
We will continue to carry out topsoil strips and archaeological surveys. These activities will take place away from the road, but you may see workers and machinery nearby.
Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause to your journey.
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15 January 2025
Temporary traffic lights and overnight slip road closures - January 2025
There will be temporary two-way traffic lights on Spitfire Link (A272) to continue the work preparing our compound.
The lights will be operational after peak time traffic between 9am and 4pm on the following dates:
- Friday 17 January 2025
- Monday 20 January 2025
Closure
Overnight on Thursday 23 January and Friday 24 January, we are closing the M3 junction 9 southbound exit slip road to remove vegetation.
Diversion
- Continue along the M3 southbound carriageway to junction 11
- exit and re-enter the M3 at junction 11 northbound
- continue northbound on the M3 back to junction 9 to exit the M3 at junction 9.
M3 southbound slip road closure diversion
The overnight closures are planned to start at 8pm and end at 6am, but this can change depending on the volume of traffic and when we can close the lane safely.
Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause to your journey.
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20 December 2024
Overnight lane closure on A34 and A33 southbound - January 2025
From Tuesday 7 January to Thursday 9 January, we are closing a lane on the A34 southbound and A33 southbound, at the point where they merge before the roundabout over the M3.
The closure is 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 lane safely.
Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause to your journey.
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11 December 2024
Roadworks on the Spitfire Link (A272) in December
We’ll need to use using temporary two-way traffic lights on Spitfire Link (A272) for a few more days to help prepare the entrance to our compound.
The lights will be operational after peak time traffic between 9am and 4pm on the following dates:
Previous dates advertised this month:
- Tuesday 10 December 2024
- Wednesday 11 December 2024
- Thursday 12 December 2024
New additional dates:
- Monday 16 December 2024
- Tuesday 17 December 2024
- Wednesday 18 December 2024
- Thursday 19 December 2024
Please accept our apologies for any delay these roadworks may cause to your journey.
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04 December 2024
Temporary two-way traffic lights Spitfire Link (A272)
We are installing temporary two-way traffic lights on Spitfire Link (A272)
The lights will be operational after peak time traffic between 9am and 4pm on the following dates:
- Tuesday 10 December 2024
- Wednesday 11 December 2024
- Thursday 12 December 2024
Apologies for any delay these roadworks may cause to your journey.
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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 City 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
Related Road projects
Traffic information
Information about scheduled roadworks and events on our motorways and major roads.Sign up for updates!
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