M27 fully reopened for first time in years after £83 million overhaul

M27 fully reopened for first time in years after £83 million overhaulA large section of the M27 in Hampshire was closed back in February 2024 to allow for improvements costing £83 million including a new low noise surface and a drainage system overhaulCommentsNewsZahra Khaliq News Reporter20:12, 21 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesRoadworks on the motorway are estimated to have cost £83 million (Image: Hampshire Live / Darren Pepe)A stretch of major motorway that was closed two years ago has finally re-opened after multi-million pound roadworks were completed.‌The M27 in Hampshire, between junctions 5 and 7, was closed to drivers back in February 2024 to allow for an estimated £83 million of changes allowing including a new low noise surface to the carriageway and a drainage system overhaul.‌All lane closures were fully lifted this morning. The work need to be carried out due to the motorway passing through "several Noise Important Areas", National Highways said.‌"The new low-noise surface will help to reduce the noise and will benefit the communities living near the road," it added.View 2 ImagesNational Highways said the work will 'benefit communities living near the road'(Image: Hampshire Live / Darren Pepe)‌The motorway is currently operating with a temporary 50mph speed limit, which will stay in place while technology testing is still being carried out. One this is completed, all limits are expected to be lifted later in the spring."All together these measures will ensure a smoother ride for drivers, make the road quieter, improve safety and ensure the road lasts longer," National Highways added.The M27 is a 27.9-mile motorway in Hampshire, running between Cadnam and Portsmouth to connect Southampton and Portsmouth.Article continues belowSpeaking about the roadworks, National Highways previously said: "The concrete layer of the M27 between junction 5 and 7 will be overlaid with 180mm of low noise surface asphalt. Due to the thick...