M3: Bridgeworks shut main Hampshire route this weekend

The M3 motorway is now closed between Junctions 8 and 9, with drivers facing disruption until early Monday, February 16, morning.

This is the third consecutive weekend of closures at the busy Hampshire junction, with the same stretch shut two weeks ago, followed by a 24-hour closure of the southbound A34 road at the junction last weekend.

This weekend’s shutdown allows engineers to install steel beams for the new roundabout bridge deck on the southern side of the gyratory.

Similar work was completed on the northern side between January 30 and February 2.

The closure came into force at 9pm on Friday, February 13 and will remain in place until 6am on Monday, February 16, when the motorway is scheduled to fully reopen.

The works are part of the wider M3 Junction 9 improvement project, which will also impact the A33 road.

The overall scheme is due to be completed by summer 2028.

Diversion in Place

The diversion in place is 16 miles long and will see drivers go through the A34 and then the A303.

A map of the diversion (blue) and the closure (orange) (Image: National Highways)

Northbound drivers must exit at Junction 9 and follow the A34 to Bullington, before taking the A303 eastbound to rejoin the M3 at Junction 8 near Basingstoke.

Southbound traffic should follow the same route in reverse — leaving at Junction 8, taking the A303 to Bullington, then the A34 southbound back to Junction 9 at Winchester.

In their advice for large vehicles, National Highways said: "If you're travelling to and from the coast, we advise you to use the A3 instead of the M3 during closures.

"When using the diversion route during this closure, please keep to the speed limits."