Have your say on Hampshire M3-A34 junction improvement
Highways England is holding a consultation on their plans
A major public consultation exercise is underway to find out view on a major re-design of the M3's junction with the A34 in Hampshire.
The plan to widen the M3 locally to the junction will include:
New road and roundabout design to provide free-flow links between the M3 and A34 for those traveling between Newbury and Southampton
Widening the mainline M3 to create four traffic lanes in each direction
Rearranging the main junction 9 roundabout with a new elongated design
Building three new bridges and a number of other structures, including an improved bridge over the River Itchen, and new underpasses
Revising walking and cycling routes
Improving the motorway slip-roads.
The consultation runs until Thursday 8 July 2021 with the new plans taking into account feedback from a previous consultation in summer 2019.
Highways England senior project manager Jon Roose said:
“Our new plans for the M3 at junction 9 will increase capacity, help reduce journey times and improve safety. We have taken feedback from the previous consultation into account and we’re looking forward to showing people these new designs and talking through the improvements. I would urge anyone interested in the scheme to visit our virtual exhibition to find out more about the proposals and feedback their thoughts to us. There are also various ways they can engage the team directly to ask questions or just find out more.”
Hampshire County Councillor, Rob Humby, added:
“We welcome the improvements that Highways England has planned for Junction 9 of the M3. This location is pivotal, both strategically and locally, to Winchester, and we look forward to working with them on the project as it progresses.”
A virtual exhibition will be available where people can learn more about the changes, study plans and drawings, watch a video of the proposals and submit comments.
There will also be several online webinars held on Microsoft Teams where a presentation will be given followed by questions from attendees. Places will be limited to ensure everyone attending can ask any questions they may have. Places will be issued on a first come, first served basis.
The online webinars will take place as follows:
Tuesday 8 June from 9:30 - 10:30
Thursday 10 June from 7-8pm
Monday 14 June from 7-8pm
Tuesday 15 June from 7-8pm
Thursday 17 June from 7-8pm
Anyone interested in attending can book a place by emailing: M3junction9Improvements@highwaysengland.co.uk or call: 0300 123 5000.
Highways England is also hosting a telephone surgery service with members of the project team who will be happy discuss proposals and answer any questions. Appointments will be available Monday to Friday between midday and 7pm, and Saturday between 10am and 4pm throughout the consultation period. Anyone wanting an appointment should Email the address above.
For full details of the consultation and how to get involved are available online now at https://highwaysengland.co.uk/our-work/south-east/m3-junction-9-improvements/