VolkerFitzpatrick has announced the start of work on the £100m-plus M27 Junction 10 upgrade on behalf of Hampshire County Council.
The project is designed to support the Welborne Garden Village development north of Fareham, underpinning the construction of 6,000 new homes, community amenities, and job opportunities in the region.
Junction 10 currently has restricted access, only allowing partial movements for traffic travelling in a westbound-off and eastbound-on direction.
The scheme will provide three new slip roads and removal of the existing west-bound off loop; and the construction of a new dual carriageway to link the new slip roads to the existing road network to facilitate an ‘all moves’ arrangement.
There will also be provision for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.
VolkerFitzpatrick’s highways director, Deon Scholtz said: ‘We’re thrilled to be a part of the M27 Junction 10 improvement scheme.
‘Through collaboration and innovation, we’re dedicated to delivering new infrastructure that supports the growth of Welborne and the surrounding communities.’
Hampshire CC agreed to become the delivery body for the scheme in July 2021 and appointed Volker Fitzpatrick as the design and build contractor for the scheme in August 2022, since when the firm and lead designer Ramboll have worked to complete the detailed design and approval processes.
There were fears earlier this year that the might fall foul of escalating costs but last month the highway authority declared it ‘full steam ahead’ following the completion of formal funding agreements. A legal Agreement with National Highways provides authority for the council to undertake work on its behalf on the M27, which is part of the national Strategic Road Network.
Approval from National Highways for each stage of the design and delivery is required before moving onto the next stage.
Following the completion of the relevant National Highways approvals, along with the recent confirmation of funding, the scheme can now continue into the main construction phase.
Council leader Nick Adams-King said: ‘It’s great news that we can now proceed with this essential road infrastructure project. Supported by Buckland Group and Homes England, this investment demonstrates a strong commitment to Hampshire, bringing new jobs and economic growth.
‘With early preparation now complete, the main delivery can progress smoothly, and we’ll provide regular updates to keep road users and residents informed.’
Volker Fitzpatrick said it will be conducting the majority of work off the main public roads to reduce disruption.
Over the 2025 Christmas period, the construction team will utilise an innovative ‘boxslide’ technique to install a pre-constructed underpass beneath the M27.
The scheme is scheduled for completion in late 2026.
