The Hampshire County Council is set to move forward with the M27 Junction 10 improvement project, despite significant cost increases.
- The project, initially estimated at £81m, has now risen to £100m, reflecting a 25% cost escalation.
- Improvements include a motorway underpass, new slip roads, and a dual carriageway linking to Welborne Garden Village.
- Funding comes from Buckland Group, under a Section 106 agreement, and Homes England.
- The project aims to support the development of 6,000 new homes and stimulate local economic growth.
The Hampshire County Council has approved the commencement of the M27 Junction 10 enhancement project, even as costs have surged by 25%. Originally projected at £81m, the financial requirements have now expanded to £100m. This cost increase is attributed to the complexity and scale of the proposed infrastructure improvements.
The scheme aims to upgrade Junction 10 to accommodate the anticipated needs of the Welborne Garden Village project. The development plans include a new motorway underpass positioned west of the existing junction, along with three new slip roads to enable an ‘all moves’ traffic arrangement. A new dual carriageway is also planned to connect the junction to the Welborne Garden Village, which is set to feature 6,000 new homes.
Funding for this extensive infrastructure project is sourced from the Buckland Group, under the terms of a Section 106 agreement, supplemented by contributions from Homes England. This collaborative financial model is designed to support the significant development envisioned for the area.
VolkerFitzpatrick, along with consulting engineer Ramboll, have spent two years finalising the design and securing necessary approvals. Initial preparatory work began in the summer of 2024, setting the stage for the main construction phase.
The construction process is projected to span two years. Notably, during the 2025 Christmas period, a prefabricated underpass will be installed beneath the motorway using the box-slide technique to minimise disruption to traffic flow. This detail underscores the effort to implement innovative solutions in the project’s execution.
Hampshire County Council leader, Nick Adams-King, expressed optimism, highlighting the project’s role in fostering job creation and economic growth. “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.” VolkerFitzpatrick’s highways director, Deon Scholtz, emphasised the value of collaboration and innovation in delivering infrastructure that supports community growth.
The M27 Junction 10 improvement plan underscores a significant investment in Hampshire’s infrastructure, aiming to meet future growth demands efficiently.
