M3 J9 investment will better connect Solent ports and support 2000 new homes

The Department for Transport has given the greenlight for the £290 million M3 J9 road scheme in South Hampshire. The upgrades will support 2,000 new homes in Winchester and better connect Southampton and Portsmouth ports for freight cargo

Backed by £290 million of government funding, the road scheme will also significantly speed up journey times, reducing a current bottleneck.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said, “Anyone who uses this junction knows how frustrating it can be. But our £290 million investment will save thousands of hours for commuters, tourists and freight every week, unlocking the true potential of our ports to deliver economic growth.

“The junction is a key interchange for economic growth, connecting the ports of Southampton and Portsmouth to ship millions of tonnes of freight every year, providing a vital link for those travelling to the south coast and beyond.”

Alastair Welch, Associated British Ports’ Regional Director for Southampton, said, “With 95% of UK trade passing through its seaports, good port connectivity is essential for growth. ABP’s Port of Southampton is a leading gateway for strategic sectors like car making. This welcome junction improvement addresses the single biggest bottleneck between the UK’s manufacturing heartland and Southampton – the UK’s gateway to the world and biggest deep sea export port – supporting jobs and prosperity in both areas.

“The Junction 9 improvement and further work planned to upgrade the A326 will support continued UK access to global trade routes from the Solent for many years to come.”

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Nick Adams-King, said, “This is a vitally important route both locally as well as nationally, connecting the manufacturing heartlands of the Midlands and North with the export ports in the South.

“It will also help to ease traffic pressures in central Winchester, enabling us to improve the public spaces, walking, cycling and bus services in the city, as well as the air quality.

Ross McNally, CEO and Executive Chair of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce added, “The M3 J9 go-ahead is welcome by all parts of the business community across South Hampshire and beyond. This will help to keep trade flowing at this important junction and support the jobs and investment in our high-value sectors across the region. The fact that the scheme will unlock new essential housing is great bonus.”