M3 Junction 9: Plans to transform junction approved

As previously reported, National Highways' £200m scheme will create more links between the M3 and A34, with the aim of reducing congestion, improving safety and introducing new networks for active travel.

The plans have been granted a development consent order (DCO) by Secretary of State for transport, Mark Harper MP.

National Highways will change the junction so it has free-flowing links between the M3 and A34 in both directions. The junction will be widened, with two bridges built to create a gyratory, allowing the M3 to increase from 3 lanes to 4 as it passes under the junction.

The southbound slip road onto the M3 will also be extended so traffic has more time to join the motorway and improve the safety of the junction with upgraded signs and gantries.

Main construction work will begin in 2025, with National Highways aiming to have it completed within three years.

National Highways’ senior project manager for the scheme, Tom Beasley, said: “We are delighted with today’s announcement that the DCO for the M3 junction 9 improvement has been granted. We look forward to commencing construction to start solving the issues at the junction.

“This represents years of working with local communities and key stakeholders to create the best possible solution. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the development of the project so far.

“We will continue to work closely with people to keep them informed and minimise disruption as we move into the construction phase.”

MP for Winchester and Chandler’s Ford, Steve Brine, welcomed the news.

Steve Brine (Image: Stefan Rousseau/PA)

He said: “For more than a decade I have fought to secure this vital transformation at junction 9 of the M3 at Winnall.

“It's a national priority, of major regional importance with a big local win in terms of congestion through Winnall in particular but many other parts of Winchester and the villages.

“The work itself will inevitably cause disruption but it will really pay off in the end. A good day.”

However, the approval of the plans has been met with dismay by some.

Chris Gillham, from Winchester Friends of the Earth, called the decision “disappointing, but not surprising”.

Chris Gillham, from Friends of the Earth Winchester, said he is 'disappointed' that the scheme has received approval

He said: “We are disappointed but not surprised that this scheme has been rubber stamped, though it represents very poor value for money, even in the skewed economic appraisal methodology used for these things.

“Once central government replaced the older Inquiry system with the fast-track Examination process, where objectors are not allowed to cross-examine evidence, it was more or less inevitable that issues would be oversimplified. Nevertheless, it is a worry that key elements of objectors’ evidence have been treated by the Inspectors in such a superficial way”.