M3 junctions 9 to 14: safety barrier upgrade

Latest updates

• 28 September 2023

  Upgrade complete

  

  Our concrete barrier upgrade work between junction 9 and 14 has now finished.

  We’ve taken away the temporary metal barriers, lane restrictions and speed limits, so you can now drive at 70mph again.

  You may notice that we’ve coned off the hard shoulders. This is so we can finish off some drainage work in the verge.

  The hard shoulder can still be used in an emergency as we’ve placed the cones far enough apart that you can still drive in. There’s more guidance about what to do if you need to stop on a motorway with a hard shoulder on our website.

  We’re aiming to complete this drainage work and remove these cones by the end of November 2023.

  We would like to thank you for your patience whilst we’ve been working here. We know that long periods of roadworks can be frustrating for people travelling though our living alongside them, so thank you for your understanding while we’ve been making these safety improvements.

• 31 August 2023

  Project update

  Our work to improve safety on the M3 is progressing well.

  We’ve now removed the temporary metal barriers and speed restrictions between junctions 11 and 14. This section is now complete.

  From mid-September, we’ll start to remove the temporary metal barriers between junctions 9 and 11 in both directions so we can carry out surfacing work. We hope to remove the narrow lanes and speed restrictions in this section by the end of September.

  We’ll also need to cone off the hard shoulder so we can complete some important drainage and verge work. The spacing of these cones is intentionally wide to allow vehicles onto the hard shoulder in an emergency.

  If you get into trouble on the motorway, try to exit at the next junction or motorway service area.

  The removal of the temporary metal barrier will be done overnight. During this time, we’ll also be resurfacing and painting road markings next to the new concrete barrier between junctions 9 and 11 which will last a few weeks.

  These works might be noisy at times. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause. We are unable to carry out this type of work safely during the daytime.

• 10 July 2023

  Planned overnight and weekend closures

  We’ve started to remove our traffic management on the southbound stretch between junctions 11 and 14 and bring some sections back to national speed limit.

  We’re about to start the same on the other side of the carriageway heading northbound which requires some overnight closures. We also need to carry out some drainage work on the southbound exit slip at junction 13 (Eastleigh) over two weekends.

  Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 July: the M3 will be closed northbound overnight between junctions 14 and 13. Diversion via A27, Stoneham Way, Stoneham Lane, Chestnut Avenue, Passfield Avenue and Leigh Road. M27 traffic will be diverted via junction 5 Stoneham Interchange and pick up the same diversion.
  
  Wednesday 12 July and Thursday 13 July: the M3 will be closed northbound overnight between junctions 14 to 12. Diversion via A27, Stoneham Way, Stoneham Lane, Chestnut Avenue, Passfield Avenue, Woodside Avenue and A335 Allbrook Way. M27 traffic will be diverted via junction 5 Stoneham Interchange and pick up the same diversion.
  
  Friday 14 July: the M3 will be closed northbound overnight between junctions 12 and 11. Diversion via Otterbourne Hill and Otterbourne Road to Hockley Link.

  Sunday 16 July: the M3 junction 12 southbound entry slip road will be closed overnight. Drivers will be diverted via M3 north to junction 11 and return.

  Weekend closure: the M3 junction 13 southbound exit slip road will be closed overnight from 9pm on Friday 14 July until 6am on Monday 17 July. Drivers will be diverted along the M3 southbound to junction 14 and return via to the Chillworth roundabout (A27).

  Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 July: the southbound exit slip road at junction 12 will be closed overnight. Diversion via M3 southbound to junction 13 and return.

  Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 July: the northbound exit slip road at junction 13 will be closed overnight. Diversion via M3 northbound to junction 12 and return.

  Weekend closure: the M3 junction 13 southbound exit slip road will be closed overnight from 9pm on Friday 21 July until 6am on Monday 24 July 2023. Diversion: Continue on the M3 southbound through junction 14 and return via Chillworth roundabout (A27).

• 30 June 2023

  First section complete

  Over the last few months, we’ve removed part of the temporary safety barrier between junctions 11 and 14 on both sides of the M3 to resurface the road next to the new concrete barrier.

  We’ve now finished this on the southbound stretch just after junction 11 down to junction 14 so this section is now complete. Soon we’ll start to remove cones and bring the road back up to national speed limit.

  There’s still some work to finish here and in other areas, including some drainage work at junction 13 near Eastleigh. We will need to close the southbound exit slip from 9pm on Friday 14 to 6am on Monday 17 July 2023 with overnight lane closures on the Friday and Sunday night.

  During this time, drivers will be diverted via M3 southbound to Chilworth roundabout and return.

• 25 May 2023

  Changes to temporary safety barrier

  We’ve started to remove sections of the temporary safety barrier along the southbound stretch between junctions 11 and 14. This is so we can finish resurfacing in the central reservation next to the new concrete barrier.

  You’ll start to see us do the same on the northbound side very soon. We’ll begin this at junction 14 and head towards junction 11.

  Even though parts the road will look different, narrow lanes and speed restrictions are still in place to keep everyone safe, so please continue to take extra care when driving through our works area.

• 03 May 2023

  Safety barrier upgrade will continue

  Although our smart motorway work has been cancelled following the Government’s latest announcement, we’re continuing to improve safety between junctions 9 and 14 by upgrading the barrier in the central reservation from metal to concrete.

  This type of improvement work may seem straightforward but we’re also upgrading the drainage at the same time so there’s less surface water when it rains. When we go along and replace the barrier, we also dig trenches and gullies and line them with concrete so the water can run off.

  Work is well underway and we’re aiming to have everything completed by the end of summer this year.

  Here’s an update on the progress we’ve made:

  Despite the wettest March in many years, we’ve completed our drainage work between junctions 9 and 10 near Winchester, meaning that we’ll soon be able to widen the central reservation ready for the new concrete barrier to go in.

  Between junction 10 and 11 (Hockley Link), the new concrete barrier is now in place and work to reinstate the drains on the carriageway is now underway.

  At the southern end of the scheme, the new barrier and carriageway drains are almost complete. We just need to fill in the sections underneath bridges between junction 12 (Allbrook Interchange) and 14 for the M27.

  As well as upgrading the barrier, we’re also replacing the lighting along this stretch of road. The replacement columns are now in place, and we’ve started to connect everything up and install the new lamps.

• 20 February 2023

  Concrete barrier takes shape

  Since the festive break, we've been busy working in the central reservation getting things ready to install the new, safer concrete barrier.

  All the foundation and drainage work between the M27 at junction 14 and Eastleigh at junction 13 has been completed and the new barrier is going in...

  

  How is it made?

  Each section is laid as we go along using a machine called a slipform paver.

  The wet concrete gets poured onto a conveyor belt which feeds the mixture through a special mould. This mould is used to make the drainage section and the barrier itself.

  This all happens within our safe working area and means we can keep the same number of lanes open without closing the road to lift large blocks of concrete into the central reservation.

  Find out more by reading our latest newsletter.

• 27 January 2023

  Overnight vegetation starts this February

  We’ve been busy working in the central reservation upgrading the old metal barrier to a new concrete one. To do our work safely, we’ve installed narrow the lanes and temporary CCTV cameras to monitor traffic as it travels through.
  
  We need to cut back some overgrown grass and shrubs within our boundary so that we can maintain and access the electrical cables which power these cameras.
  
  We’ll need to close some lanes and junction slip roads overnight. This will usually be between 9pm and 6am.

  Closure information

  • Friday 3 February – junction 13 northbound entry and exit slip roads. To exit, continue to junction 12 and return. To enter, join the M3 southbound and return via junction 14 northbound.
    
    
  • Tuesday 7 February – junction 12 northbound entry slip roads. To enter, join the M3 southbound and return via junction 13 northbound.
    
    
  • Wednesday 8 February – junction 11 northbound entry and exit slip roads. To exit, continue to junction 10 and return. To enter, join the M3 southbound and return via junction 12 northbound.
    
    
  • Thursday 9 February – junction 9 southbound entry and exit slip roads. To exit, continue to junction 11 and return. To enter, join the A272 towards A31 southbound and return via  junction 10.

  There will be lane and slip road closures between these junctions, so please take extra care.

  M3 closures - Tower Hill

  We’re continuing with our repairs to the bridge over Up Street near junction 7 and need to do some extra motorway closures to finish our work.

  The M3 will be closed southbound (9pm to 6am) between junctions 7 and 9 on Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 February 2023 and on the same stretch and times northbound on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 February 2023. 

  For full information, please visit the south east maintenance page and search for 'Tower Hill'.

• 19 December 2022

  December update

  You’ve probably seen us removing the old metal barrier between junctions 9 and 14 and preparing a new base for the concrete upgrade.

  We’ll be taking a short break over the festive period so you won’t see anyone working here during this time.

  When we come back in the New Year, you’ll see us putting in most of the new concrete barriers.

  Subscribe to our newsletter for all the latest updates

• 01 November 2022

  Autumn progress update

  We’ve finished making a safe area for our team to work in and have already made progress on removing the old metal barrier so we can start installing the new safer concrete one.

  
  
  So far, we've put in narrow lanes to keep traffic moving, removed most of the posts, cut away drainage slots and prepared a new base, ready for the concrete barrier upgrade.
  
  Over the coming months we’ll be working along the entire length of the central reservation between junctions 9 and 14.

  New bat boxes

  The number of bats in the UK has declined and all species are protected by law. We’re excited that our environmental surveys uncovered some common pipistrelle bats under the M3 close to the River Itchen.

  

  Bats hibernate during colder months (usually November to March), which is why you won’t see any work taking place here between now and April so that we don't disturb them. 

  In the meantime, we've placed two bat boxes in nearby trees to protect these animals and help others thrive in the area.

• 01 September 2022

  Barrier replacement to begin at junctions 9 to 12

  We’ve finished creating a safe area for our team to work in between junctions 9 and 12 and will shortly begin upgrading the central reservation in this section.

  We’re already carrying out daytime work on the central reservation between junctions 12 and 14. Please see our previous update on what to expect.

  A 50mph speed restriction is now in place across the entire stretch between junctions 9 and 14 to keep road users and our workforce safe.

  Some of our maintenance work cannot be done under regular lane closures, which means occasionally we’ll need to work overnight. Please be mindful of local residents and watch your speed when following our diversion.

  Check our road closure report or follow us on Twitter for the latest updates.

  Our work is subject to weather conditions and meeting required safety regulations. For these reasons, you may not always see our workforce out on the road or only working in specific areas along the route.

• 27 July 2022

  Central reservation upgrade underway

  Junctions 12-14

  Daytime work to upgrade the central reservation barrier between junctions 12 and 14 is now underway.

  Our hours of work are 8am to 6pm on weekdays and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays. Occasional work on Sundays may be required.  

  Junctions 9-12

  Before we can upgrade the section between junctions 9 and 12, we need to create a safe area where our team can work. This is currently taking place overnight between 7pm and 7am on weekdays and 6pm to 8am at weekends.

  By early August, we will be able to start the central reservation upgrade in this section. 

  This will involve removing the old metal safety barriers and lighting columns, cutting and breaking the road surface, digging trenches, drainage work, laying the foundations for the new concrete central reservation, construction of new concrete central reservation itself and sections of re-surfacing.

  Whilst we do everything we can to minimise disturbance during works, we know that some of our activities may create higher levels of noise and we will do our utmost to keep disruption to a minimum.

• 24 June 2022

  Central reservation work starts soon

  Junctions 12-14

  We’ve been changing the road layout between junctions 12-14 before we begin safety barrier improvement works. This has involved removing existing road markings and installing temporary metal barriers to protect our workforce and the travelling public.

  From early July 2022, we plan to start work in the central reservation between these two junctions. We aim to carry out these works during the day between 8am and 6pm on weekdays and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays.

  Occasional work on Sundays may be required.  

  This will involve removing the old metal safety barriers and lighting columns, cutting and breaking the road surface, digging trenches, drainage work, laying the foundations for the new concrete central reservation, construction of new concrete central reservation itself and sections of re-surfacing.

  There may also be occasions where work needs to be carried out overnight, when lane and/or carriageway closures are less disruptive. If this happens, work will be carried out 7pm to 7am weekdays and 6pm to 8am Saturdays and Sundays

  Junctions 9-12

  From mid-July, we will begin preparation works between junctions 9 and 12. We expect this to last about 8 weeks.

  Work will be carried out overnight between 7pm to 7am weekdays and 6pm to 8am Saturdays and Sundays when traffic levels are at their lowest.

  Thank you for your understanding and patience whilst we carry out this work.

  Read more in our latest newsletter

• 23 May 2022

  Safety barrier improvements – June 2022

  The M3 junction 9 to 14 all lane running upgrade has been paused. However, we’re still going to carry out important safety barrier improvements on that stretch of motorway and we’re now getting ready to start on the first section of work which will be between junctions 12 and 14 in both directions.

  From Monday 6 June 2022 for about six-weeks, we’ll be creating a safe area to work in and to do this we’ll be changing the road layout. This involves removing the existing road markings and installing metal barriers on both carriageways between junctions 12 and 14.

  This work will be undertaken overnight. There’ll be closures of lanes, entry and exit slip roads and carriageways. When we close the motorway or slip road, a clearly signed diversion will be in place.

  We’ll update our website further when we move into the next section.

  As standard practice for roadworks, once the traffic management is in place mandatory average speed restrictions will be implemented, temporary CCTV cameras will be activated and free recovery service within roadworks will be provided.

• 04 February 2022

  Getting prepared for work in the central reservation

  Although our smart motorway work has been paused, we are still going to upgrade the existing safety barrier in the central reservation, so it’s made of concrete instead of metal and therefore safer.  

  During 2021 we started preparing the verges and hard shoulder between junctions 9 and 14 and we’re going to resume this early prep work so everything’s ready for us to install narrow lanes in both directions.

  That means you’ll see us doing verge, drainage, and cabling work at the sides of the road throughout February. These activities are all essential for getting the existing hard shoulder ready in both directions so traffic can use it whilst we’re working in the middle of the road.

  We’ll be working simultaneously in both directions between junctions 9 and 14 for about three-weeks.

  This means there’ll be occasional overnight closures of the motorway, lane closures or closures of entry and exit slip roads. Where the motorway or a slip road is closed, a signed diversion will be in place. We have scheduled these closures for weeknights to minimise disruption.

  Please sign up to our email alerts to keep updated about the scheme and to learn more about the motorway upgrade.

   

• 01 September 2021

  Progress update - CCTV cameras

  Work continues on both carriageways between junctions 9 and 14, to prepare the hard shoulder ready for traffic.

  From Monday 30 August, we started installing temporary CCTV cameras to ensure we have full coverage of the road and work sites, ready for when construction starts later this year. Installing the cameras and associated cabling should take approximately 15 weeks to complete.

  The CCTV cameras and operation team will monitor the M3 between junctions 9 and 14 in both directions. They’ll use the cameras to monitor changes to the flow of traffic, for example a broken-down vehicle.

  There’ll be occasional overnight closures of the motorway, lane closures or closures of entry and exit slip roads. Where the motorway or a slip road is closed, a signed diversion will be in place.

  Contractors compound

  The construction of the main contractor’s compound started during early August. An entrance directly off Badgers Farm Road and an exit directly onto Otterbourne Road will be created. These link straight onto the motorway network via the Hockley Link road.

  Whilst the access and exit roads are being built, we’ll also start constructing the main compound itself. We’ll level out the field by excavation and foundations will then be laid, providing a hard-standing area for containers, material storage areas, car parking, lighting and a base for our breakdown recovery equipment.

  We’ll need to carry out some of the work overnight when traffic flows are lower. When we do, we’ll use temporary traffic management and temporary lights to minimise any disruption on these roads.

  Please note: all activities are weather dependent and subject to logistical constraints which may delay the planned work and timeframes.

• 30 April 2021

  Preparation for starting work this summer

  We’ve been clearing vegetation along the side of the M3, undertaking surveys and diverting cables in preparation for upgrading the motorway.

  Later this year we’ll be installing narrow lanes in both directions between junctions 9 and 14, and the hard shoulder will be used as a running lane. This will provide a safe working area in the central reservation, whilst keeping three lanes open during the daytime.

  To prepare the hard shoulder for this, work to strengthen the verges is expected to start early May 2021.

  This means that there will be occasional overnight closures of the motorway, lane closures or closures of entry and exit slip roads. Where the motorway or a slip road is closed, a signed diversion will be in place. We have scheduled these closures for weeknights to minimise disruption.

  Please sign up to our email alerts to keep updated about the scheme and to learn more about the motorway upgrade.

  Timeline of works

  Our key milestones are:

  • Spring/Summer 2021 – On-going site clearance and preparatory work
  • Spring/Summer 2021 – CCTV cameras installed
  • Summer 2021 – Installation of temporary traffic management (narrow lanes and a 50mph speed limit enforced by average speed cameras)
  • Late Summer/early Autumn 2021 – Work to upgrade the M3 will start in the central reservation

  Please note these are indicative timeframes

• 23 January 2020

  Public consultation results

  Last year we consulted on proposals to implement variable mandatory speed limits on the M3 between junctions 9 and 14. You can now read the results of that consultation in the report.

• 20 January 2020

  Timeline of works

  From January 2020 we’ll occasionally close one lane of the motorway so we can safely clear vegetation and finish our survey work.

  Our key milestones are:

  • Winter/spring 2020 – Start site clearance and preparatory work
  • 2020-22 – Start building the new smart motorway

• 06 November 2019

  Preparatory works

  We’ll be getting the M3 ready to become a smart motorway early next year. This will involve clearing vegetation and repairing the hard shoulder.

  We carried out four public information events in September 2019 to gather feedback on our design and inform people about smart motorways. Our brochure and the information banners we displayed are still available for you to view in the project media files section.

  Please sign up to our email alerts to keep updated about the scheme and planned public events, and to learn more about the smart motorways programme.