A temporary 50mph speed limit on a stretch of the M27 motorway is set to be lifted more than two years after it was introduced, National Highways has confirmed. The limit will return to 70mph from 6am tomorrow, Tuesday June 23.
Details of the change
The 50mph restriction was in place between junction five near Eastleigh and junction seven at Hedge End. All four lanes reopened in April, but the lower limit remained while National Highways finished testing new technology in the area. That work is now complete.
Hampshire County Council leader Nick Adams-King said it had "been a long and often frustrating period for motorists" and welcomed the lifting of the restrictions.
Scale of the works
National Highways has revealed the scale of work carried out between junctions 5 and 7 from February 2024 as the long-running scheme nears completion. Workers laid 89,907 tonnes of low-noise asphalt, installed 6,308 road studs and 45,023 metres of road markings.
In addition, 11,289 metres of drainage were repaired or replaced, 9,460 metres of concrete barrier installed, and 78,543 metres of joints between concrete bays sealed. Some 281 concrete bays were replaced, 1,100 concrete repairs completed, and more than 11,600 cubic metres of earth excavated.
Reaction and safety message
Richard Scrase, programme delivery manager at National Highways, thanked "residents and everyone who uses the M27 - whether for freight, business or leisure travel - for their patience and understanding while we delivered this scheme."
"Alongside the resurfacing work, we delivered significant drainage and safety improvements, creating smoother, quieter and safer journeys for motorists for generations to come," he added.
Drivers are reminded that exceeding the new 70mph limit risks fines and penalty points.
