M27: Halfway point reached as work moves to the next stage

Improvement works on the M27 have reached the halfway point as work moves to the next stage.

The eastbound carriageway between junctions 5 and 7 now has a new road surface, better drainage, and improved safety barriers, says National Highways.

Drivers are advised to be aware that the next stage of the project will focus on the westbound carriageway.

Richard Scrase, programme delivery manager for National Highways, said: "We have made great progress, and our work to improve the eastbound carriageway of the M27 between junctions 5 and 7 is now complete.

"So we've done quite a lot of work. We're pretty much now at halfway.

"We are now gearing up to do the same and provide a low-noise road surface, make significant drainage improvements to the road, and safety improvements to the central reservation on the westbound carriageway."

Since the work began on the eastbound carriageway in early 2024, more than 10,000m3 of earth has been removed, enough to fill more than 850 tipper trucks.

Some 3,574 metres of drainage pipes have also been repaired, and 704 repairs have been made to the concrete slabs on the carriageway.

Additionally, 43,094 metres of joints between concrete slabs have been repaired, 47,389 tonnes of asphalt have been laid as the new surface, 9,843m of safety barrier have been installed, and 6,229 metres of surface water drainage have been put in place.

Regarding the next phase of work on the westbound side, Mr Scrase said: "The reason we are changing the traffic around is to start on the carriageway in the centre reserve and then the verge.

"We are providing a road that is designed to last for 40 years, which will lead to less maintenance and therefore closures in the future, as well as the new road surface being quieter for both drivers, cause you won't get the annoying 'dadump dadump' noise as you go over the joints of the base, as well as for residents."

Overnight closures between 9pm and 6am will continue throughout May.

Details of closures and diversions can be found on the National Highways website.