Green light for multi-million pound scheme to transform journeys at M3 junction 9
The Secretary of State for Transport has approved plans that will transform journeys around junction 9 of the M3.
National Highways’ £200 million scheme to create free-flowing links between the M3 and the A34 will improve connections between the South Coast, the Midlands and London, reduce congestion, improve safety and introduce new networks for active travel, benefiting local communities.
It has been granted a development consent order (DCO) by Secretary of State for Transport, Rt Hon Mark Harper MP. A DCO is a form of planning permission for a development which is seen as nationally important for the infrastructure of the country.
Traffic levels are high 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.
National Highways will change the junction so that it has free-flowing links between the M3 and the A34 in both directions.
The junction will be widened, with two new bridges built to create a new gyratory, allowing the M3 to increase from 3 lanes to 4 as it passes under the junction.
The southbound slip road onto the M3 will be extended so traffic has more time to join the motorway and improve the safety of the junction with upgraded signs and gantries.
Walkers, cyclists and horse-riders will also benefit from the scheme with non-motorised routes connecting Kings Worthy and Winnall and Long Walk and Easton Lane.
National Highways’ Senior Project Manager for the scheme, Tom Beasley, said: “We are delighted with today’s announcement that the DCO for the M3 junction 9 improvement has been granted. We look forward to commencing construction to start solving the issues at the junction.
“This represents years of working with local communities and key stakeholders to create the best possible solution. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the development of the project so far.
“We will continue to work closely with people to keep them informed and minimise disruption as we move into the construction phase.”
Main construction works are due to begin in early in 2025 and will complete in around three years.
The new junction includes:
- Changes so that it has free-flowing links between the M3 and the A34 in both directions.
- Widening the junction by introducing a fourth lane to both sides of the M3 as it passes under a new gyratory.
- Extending the southbound slip road onto the M3 so traffic has more time to join the motorway and improve the safety of the junction with upgraded signs and gantries.
- Improving provision for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders with non-motorised routes connecting Kings Worthy and Winnall, and Long Walk and Easton Lane.
The proposals also include 2.8km of new cycling and walking provision, including 4 subways and a toucan crossing. The proposals also include 1.7 km of new bridleway. This will help improve connectivity between communities and improve the safety of all road users.
More information on the scheme can be found M3 Junction 9 Improvements scheme page.
You can also subscribe to receive updates via M3Junction9Improvements@nationalhighways.co.uk or call 0300 123 5000.
Notes to Editors
National Highways is the wholly government-owned company responsible for modernising, maintaining and operating England’s motorways and major A roads.
Real-time traffic information for England’s motorways and major A roads is available via the Traffic England website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps. Local Twitter services are also available.
For further information please contact National Highways' press office (24hrs) on 0844 693 1448 and select the most appropriate option:
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