M27: Drivers face 50mph speed limits and overnight closures until June as major roadworks continue

Motorists using a major motorway have been warned they face a fresh wave of overnight closures as National Highways enters the final stage of its £83million motorway improvement scheme.

The major project, which began in February 2024, has seen large sections of the M27 between junctions 5 and 7 resurfaced with quieter concrete, while drainage systems and safety barriers have also been upgraded.

Drivers are now being warned to prepare for a series of overnight closures from the end of May through June while engineers complete the final stages of the work.

National Highways said the shutdowns are needed so teams can install permanent road signs, remove temporary speed cameras and continue testing technology systems across the route.

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All closures will take place between 9pm and 6am the following morning. The first closure will affect the junction 8 eastbound entry slip road on Saturday, May 30.

This will be followed by the junction 5 westbound exit slip road on Tuesday, June 2. A full westbound closure between junctions 7 and 5 is then planned for Saturday, June 6, causing the biggest disruption of the programme.

More overnight closures are scheduled the following week, with the eastbound entry slip roads at junctions 7 and 8 closing on June 10 and June 11. The final planned closures will affect the junction 5 westbound entry slip road on June 12 and 13.

Signed diversion routes will be in place during every closure. National Highways said the overnight work is essential because several systems installed during the project are still not fully operational.

A spokesperson explained that the technology systems across the roadworks area "are not yet fully operational." They added that workers require safe access to complete testing away from live traffic.

Temporary speed enforcement cameras installed during the works will also be dismantled as part of the final phase.

Drivers travelling through the area will still need to obey the temporary 50mph speed limit while testing continues. National Highways said the reduced speed restriction remains necessary "to protect all road users".

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The organisation confirmed that engineers have already spent several months carrying out overnight testing on the technology systems.

Once all checks are completed, the motorway will return to the national 70mph speed limit between junctions 4 and 7.

National Highways expects the higher speed limit to be restored during June. The agency described the work as part of a major long-term investment to improve journeys along one of the South Coast's busiest motorways.

The resurfacing project has included laying quieter concrete designed to reduce traffic noise for nearby residents and drivers.

Drainage improvements have also been carried out to help reduce standing water and improve safety during periods of heavy rain. Central reservation barriers have been upgraded to modern safety standards.

Although the main resurfacing work is now complete, motorists have been warned that separate disruption around junction 8 will continue beyond this project.

National Highways said a lane closure and 50mph restriction near the junction will remain because of future bridge maintenance work due to begin in spring 2027.

National Highways has warned that all closure dates could still change because of operational requirements or poor weather conditions.

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