M3 junctions 9 to 14: smart motorway
We’re upgrading the M3 between junction 9 (Winchester/A34 interchange) and junction 14 (M27 Southampton interchange) to an all-lane running smart motorway. The scheme will link to the forthcoming smart motorway on the M27.
Project information
The M3 motorway is a key part of the strategic road network and provides a vital economic link from the Midlands (via the A34) and London to the major ports of Southampton and Portsmouth on the south coast (via the M27).
By 2036 this 10-mile stretch of the M3 is forecast to carry at least 20,000 more vehicles a day compared to 2015. We’re converting it into a smart motorway, so it has capacity for these forecast levels of traffic.
It involves changing the hard shoulder into a running lane, adding more signs, deploying variable speed limits from overhead gantries and building emergency refuge areas.
Between junction 9 (Winchester) to 13 (Eastleigh), the M3 will operate four-lanes in each direction. This is known as ‘all-lane running’ and involves the existing hard shoulder being converted into an additional lane for vehicles.
Road users driving northbound and joining the M3 at junction 14 where the roads converge from the M27 eastbound, westbound and from Southampton will see the M3 operate four lanes and a hard shoulder up to junction 13.
For road users driving southbound from junction 13 (Eastleigh) towards junction 14 (Southampton), the road will transition from four lanes with no hard should shoulder and then split into two separate roads to link to the M27 East and West.
The section of the M3 linking to the M27 eastbound will feature two lanes and a hard shoulder. The section of the M3 linking to the M27 westbound will comprise three lanes with no hard shoulder. The road layout into Southampton will remain as it is now.
The section from after junction 13 (Eastleigh) to junction 14 (Southampton) is a variation of smart motorway known as a ‘controlled motorway’.
Documents
Environmental Assessment Report
Environmental Assessment Report - Appendix A Part 1
Environmental Assessment Report - Appendix A Part 2
Environmental Assessment Report - Appendix A Part 3
Environmental Assessment Report - Appendix B Part 1
Environmental Assessment Report - Appendix B Part 2
Environmental Assessment Report - Appendix B Part 3
Environmental Assessment Report - Appendix B Part 4
Environmental Assessment Report - Appendix B Part 5
Environmental Assessment Report - Appendix B Part 6
Environmental summary
Related Road projects

Traffic information
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