M27 to Close for 11 Days Over Christmas for Major Junction 10 Works

Drivers are being warned to expect severe delays over Christmas and New Year as the M27 is set to close for 11 days to allow for major improvement works at Junction 10 near Fareham.

The motorway will be closed in both directions between Junction 9 (Whiteley) and Junction 11 (Fareham) from 8pm on Wednesday 24 December 2025 until 4am on Sunday 4 January 2026.

The closure will enable engineers to install a new underpass beneath the M27 using an innovative “box-slide” technique — the first time the method has been used in the UK for a road connection.

During the operation, an 8,500-tonne pre-built concrete structure will be slid into position beneath the motorway. Once installed, the road will be reconstructed above the new underpass before reopening in the new year.

National Highways said the one-off closure will replace months of overnight or weekend works, minimising long-term disruption to drivers and nearby residents.

Diversions and traffic management

A signed diversion will be in place via the A27 between Park Gate and Fareham, but drivers are being warned to expect severe congestion, particularly between 10am and 4pm daily.

Westbound drivers will still be able to exit the M27 at Junction 11 for Fareham and Gosport, and at Junction 9 for Whiteley and Park Gate. However, there will be no westbound entry at Junction 11 for traffic heading towards Southampton or the A32 (Alton), and no eastbound entry at Junction 9 for vehicles travelling towards Portsmouth.

Warning signs will also be placed on major approach routes, including the M25 and M4, to alert drivers entering the area in advance.

Andrew Jackson, Programme Director for National Highways, said:

“We are working alongside Hampshire County Council to make sure we have plenty of preparation in place to keep that diversion open.

This is a significant piece of work, and while we recognise the timing over Christmas will cause some disruption, completing the work in one go will avoid months of lane closures and ongoing inconvenience for motorists.”

Council urges drivers to plan ahead

Hampshire County Council said it has been preparing for the closure and is urging residents and visitors to consider their travel plans carefully over the festive period.

Councillor Lulu Bowerman, Cabinet Member for Highways at Hampshire County Council, said:

“We are getting ready for the Christmas closure. We are well aware that this would disrupt people’s Christmas travel plans, so I’m asking, if possible, to think carefully about how you travel over the Christmas period. Traffic would be less, but there would still be some traffic.

We really appreciate everybody’s patience with this closure, but this would mean that we avoid months of roadworks and disruption on the M27, and the work could get completed on January 4.”

Part of wider M27 Junction 10 improvement scheme

The underpass forms part of the M27 Junction 10 improvement scheme, which will create a new four-lane road beneath the motorway, alongside three new slip roads and a new dual carriageway linking the junction to the existing road network.

The upgrade will also include four new roundabouts, new walking and cycling routes, and bridleways for horse riders.

Cllr Bowerman added:

“We’ve thought about everyone. This project will improve connections for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians, while unlocking new housing and employment opportunities in the Fareham area.”

The M27 is expected to reopen in full at 4am on Sunday 4 January 2026, once all works and safety checks are completed.

Motorists are urged to check travel updates before setting off and to allow extra time for journeys.

Further information is available at: www.hants.gov.uk/M27-J10-xmas