DRIVEN MAD
Major motorway used by 150,000 drivers to SHUT this month sparking travel chaos – check your route
Drivers could face travel misery as the key route shuts for essential roadworks
A STRETCH of motorway used by 150,000 drivers a day is due to close later this month sparking travel chaos.
Motorists are bracing for delays as a significant stretch of the M27 prepares to shut for essential upgrades.
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National Highways has confirmed the motorway will close between junctions 9 and 7 for resurfacing.
The westbound closure will run from 8pm on November 20 to 6am on November 21, forcing thousands of drivers to divert.
Drivers can expect delays on alternative routes.
The closure is part of a long-term project aimed at reducing noise and upgrading the 1970s-era concrete along the M27 between junctions 5 and 7.
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Engineers will also work on drainage and safety improvements, with the works expected to wrap up by spring 2026.
The resurfacing is part of a larger £83million project to extend the road’s lifespan and improve safety.
Meanwhile, drivers are already dealing with changes at the busy junction 5 roundabout, where a dedicated entry lane closure has been in place since mid-October.
This lane is set to remain closed while crews resurface the eastbound lanes, and National Highways has stated it’s necessary for the safety of their workers.
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Efforts to expedite the timeline are underway, with more updates expected after November 18.
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It’s not just the M27 seeing major disruptions this month.
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The M42, which links Birmingham Airport and the NEC, is also facing closures.
Drivers can expect shutdowns between J6 in Solihull and J7/7a at Coleshill over the weekends of December 6 and December 13.
National Highways has warned of significant delays, advising motorists to allow extra time due to engineering works for the HS2 rail line.
To ease traffic during these closures, signed diversions will reroute vehicles via the A446, with an additional 50mph speed restriction expected to remain until work is complete.
An extra £282 million is being invested into these upgrades to ease congestion and boost airport access.
Drivers using the A483 Dee Viaduct in Wrexham will also face nighttime closures from November 11 to 15, as the 34-year-old bridge undergoes inspections.
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The A483 serves as a critical route between Wales and England, with a 14.3-mile diversion in place, directing traffic to the A5 and other nearby routes to bypass the area.
National Highways and Traffic Wales are urging drivers to plan their journeys carefully and to expect delays.
M27 Closure: What you need to know
Here's what you need to know:
Location: M27 between Junctions 5 (Southampton Airport) and 7 (Hedge End)
Closure Date: Westbound carriageway shuts from 8pm November 20 to 6pm November 21
Expected Delays: Drivers could face delays of 10+ minutes during closure
Traffic Management: Junction 5 dedicated entry lane currently closed for safety, impacting eastbound lanes
Additional Works:
- Resurfacing for a quieter, smoother drive
- Drainage upgrades to prevent flooding
- Enhanced central reservation safety features
Completion Date: Project expected to finish by Spring 2026
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