M27 Junction 10 upgrade reaches final phase as new slip roads open today
Drivers will gain access to the M27 in both directions, as the £100 million-plus improvement scheme near Fareham moves closer to completion
The next stage of the M27 Junction 10 improvement scheme is set to open to traffic today (Monday 12 October), bringing motorists closer to the completion of a major road upgrade in Hampshire.
The new eastbound off-slip and westbound on-slip will open following the introduction of the new westbound off-slip, motorway underpass and four roundabouts in September.
Once the latest roads are operational, drivers will be able to join the M27 westbound and exit eastbound at Junction 10 for the first time, creating a fully accessible junction in all directions.
Previously, the junction offered limited access, with motorists only able to leave the motorway when travelling westbound or join it when heading eastbound.
Final construction work continues into winter
Hampshire County Council, which is delivering the scheme with support from National Highways, expects the main construction work to be completed by winter 2026.
A further lane giving access to the eastbound M27 on-slip is due to open in early winter, completing the opening of the new roads included in the project.
However, drivers should expect some disruption to continue while the remaining work is carried out.
Councillor Steve Forster, Hampshire County Council’s Cabinet Lead for Highways and Passenger Transport, said: “Our teams are continuing to work hard to finish all elements of the Junction 10 scheme, having opened the first phase in September, and I am pleased to confirm more road space will be operational on Monday 12 October.
“We are now entering the final phase of the project, with main construction work on track for completion on schedule by winter 2026. Although the scheme will be open to road users, some traffic management will remain in place while we carry out the remaining activities.”
He added that the council is working with National Highways on additional motorway safety improvements before final testing and checks take place.
Councillor Forster also thanked residents, businesses and motorists for their patience while the work is completed.
Speed limits and lane restrictions to remain
Temporary speed limits and lane restrictions will stay in place on the M27 between Junctions 9 and 11 while National Highways carries out safety work and tests motorway technology.
By completing the work and testing during the same period, the organisations aim to make the process more efficient. Traffic management is expected to remain until early 2027.
The new dual carriageway running through the motorway underpass, known as the A32/A3222 link road, is already open with one lane operating in each direction.
Further improvements, including landscaping, will be completed while the road remains accessible to motorists.
Andrew Jackson, National Highways Programme Manager, said: “Opening these new slip roads is a key milestone in our aim to deliver smoother, safer journeys, and we continue to work closely with Hampshire County Council to support this project.
“This important scheme will stimulate economic growth across the region by supporting the building of 6,000 new homes and the creation of thousands of new jobs.”
Supporting Welborne Garden Village
The Junction 10 upgrade is a key part of the infrastructure needed to support Welborne Garden Village, a planned development that will include up to 6,000 homes, schools, community facilities and employment space.
The project is funded by the Buckland Group, the developer of Welborne Garden Village, and Homes England.
Planning conditions mean that no more than 1,160 homes can be occupied until the upgraded junction, providing access to and from the M27 in all directions, is operational.
Alongside improvements for drivers, the scheme will also introduce a shared footway and cycleway linking Fareham Common to the south with Welborne Garden Village to the north.
The new route is intended to provide better connections between the two communities and create additional opportunities for walking, wheeling and cycling.