Major M27 Upgrade Completed by VolkerFitzpatrick for Hampshire County Council
VolkerFitzpatrick has completed a major engineering milestone on the M27 at Junction 10, acting as main contractor for Hampshire County Council, with the installation of a new underpass being delivered 24 hours ahead of schedule.
Watch the underpass slide into position
To enable the work, the M27 motorway was closed in both directions between Junction 11 (Fareham) and Junction 9 (Whiteley) for eleven days over the festive period to allow the precast concrete underpass to be installed using an innovative ‘box slide’ method.
This was followed by backfilling around the underpass and the reinstatement of the carriageway – all completed ahead of schedule to enable the motorway to reopen to traffic earlier than planned. This achievement represents a major step forward in a £100million+ project to build a package of highways improvements that will provide access to the Welborne Garden Village development near Fareham alongside easier, safer access to the M27.
The scheme is being delivered by Hampshire County Council, working closely with National Highways – and is fully funded by the Buckland Group and Homes England.
The box slide involved sliding an 8,500-tonne, four-lane-wide concrete structure - the length of six double-decker buses into position on the motorway. This approach, completed in less than 20 hours, replaced months of potential lane closures and speed restrictions, minimising disruption for road users.
VolkerFitzpatrick, supported by specialist contractors, worked around the clock, totalling approximately 10,000 hours, to deliver this complex operation safely and efficiently.
The newly installed structure will form part of an upgraded ‘all moves’ junction, set to open in late 2026 with the construction of new slip roads and landscaping now underway.
"Completing this milestone ahead of schedule is a testament to the dedication, commitment, and teamwork of everyone involved. Their expertise and collaboration made this complex operation possible, and we are proud to have delivered it safely and efficiently for the benefit of the local community and road users."
Deon Scholtz Divisional Director, Infrastructure
Tim Lawton, Assistant Director Highways, Engineering and Transport, Hampshire County Council, said: “Thanks to the expertise of VolkerFitzpatrick’s team, working closely with the County Council’s project team and specialist sub-contractors, we successfully delivered an innovative, time-saving engineering solution ahead of schedule - minimising disruption for road users and residents. This was an exceptionally complex scheme, and we commend all involved for their commitment and professionalism.”
VolkerFitzpatrick continue to implement strict noise and dust control measures and maintained clear communication with local residents, ensuring minimal impact on the surrounding community.
