Plans to beat congestion on the M27 between Junctions 11 and 12 are to go on show

United Kingdom – The Highways Agency will be holding a series of exhibitions in Portchester over the next few weeks to display plans for improvements to the M27, between Junctions 11 and 12.

The exhibitions will be held on Friday August 11th, Saturday August 12th, Friday September 22nd and Saturday September 23rd at Portchester Parish Hall, Castle Street, Portchester, Hampshire.

One of the most important travel routes in Hampshire, the M27 connects Southampton and Portsmouth.

In March 2005, the secretary of state for transport announced plans to help reduce congestion in this area and improve journey time reliability.

The plans on display involve the widening of the motorway betweens Junctions 11 and 12 to create climbing lanes on the uphill gradients in each direction between the two junctions.

"The area has seen considerable growth in recent years, which has led to increased traffic flows. The works are proposed to relieve congestion, by giving more opportunity for overtaking slow traffic on the steep inclines," said David Stock, project leader for the Agency.

"As part of the work we will also be upgrading the safety barriers, lighting and drainage. We hope that people will come along to the exhibition to see the plans and we can answer any questions they may have."

The Agency consultants are Parsons Brinckerhoff and the scheme is planned to be undertaken within the existing highway land.

Works will include measures to protect fauna within the area affected and the scheme cost is estimated at £27.07 million.

Subject to approval by the secretary of state for transport, construction is programmed for 2008.

The environmental statement released in July 2006 is available for public viewing at the following locations:

• Highways Agency Office – Information Point, Federated House, London Road, Dorking, RH4 1SZ
• Fareham Borough Council – Civic Offices, Civic Way, Fareham. PO16 7EP
• Portsmouth City Council – Civic Offices, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, Hants, PO1 2BG
• Fareham Library, Osborn Road, Fareham, PO16 7EN
• Portchester Library, West Street, Portchester, PO16 9TX