M27, UK: Expect Delays – Christmas and New Year Roadworks Cause Major Traffic Disruption Across the South

Published on December 24, 2025

Travelers across the UK are facing significant disruption as the M27, one of the country’s major motorways, shuts down today for an 11-day period over Christmas and New Year. The closure, which is set to last from 8 pm on December 24 to 4 am on January 4, will impact millions of motorists who had planned to use the route during the busy festive season. This closure is part of a construction project to create a new underpass at Junction 10, which will result in long-term improvements to the motorway infrastructure.

Major Disruption: M27 to Close for 11 Days

The M27, which connects the South Coast and major cities like Southampton, Portsmouth, and Fareham, will be closed in both directions between Junction 9 (Whiteley) and Junction 11 (Fareham). The closure is a critical part of the ongoing infrastructure project to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in the future.

During this period, highway authorities are expecting substantial disruption, particularly for drivers traveling westbound from Junction 11 towards Southampton and eastbound from Junction 9 towards Portsmouth. A diversion route via the A27 will be in place, with warning signs strategically placed on key routes, including the M25 and M4, to guide motorists.

While drivers will still be able to exit at Junction 11 for Fareham and Gosport, and at Junction 9 for Whiteley and Park Gate, they will not be able to enter westbound at Junction 11 or eastbound at Junction 9 during the closure. The National Highways and Hampshire County Council are working together to ensure that the diversion routes remain open and accessible.

Impact on Holiday and Business Travel

For millions of travelers planning to spend the Christmas holidays with family or visit scenic destinations along the south coast, the M27 closure poses a significant challenge. This shutdown comes at a time when road traffic is expected to be at its peak, with many holidaymakers planning to head out for their Christmas getaways.

Business travelers relying on the M27 for access to key cities and regions may face delays or need to adjust their travel plans. The diversion routes could cause significant congestion in areas such as Fareham and Whiteley, potentially leading to longer travel times.

The motorway closure also coincides with the busy festive season, and the added disruption is likely to affect those attending family gatherings, Christmas markets, or other seasonal events. Travelers should plan their routes carefully, check for real-time updates, and consider alternative modes of transportation where possible.

Long-Term Benefits: Improved Infrastructure and Reduced Congestion

Once the underpass at Junction 10 is completed, it will create four new lanes under the M27 and provide three new slip roads, significantly improving the flow of traffic. The new infrastructure is expected to ease congestion and help manage the growing number of vehicles on the motorway.

The work also includes the construction of a new dual carriageway, complete with four roundabouts linking the slip roads to the existing road network. This “free-flowing link” will ultimately reduce delays and improve access for both business and leisure travelers in the long term. Additionally, new walking and cycling paths will be added, improving access to the area for non-motorized travelers.

Preparing for the Disruption: Quick Tips for Travelers

As the M27 closure approaches, there are several steps travelers can take to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure smooth journeys:

1. Plan Your Travel in Advance: Check the closure times and be aware of the diversion routes. If possible, try to travel during off-peak hours to minimize time spent in traffic.
2. Consider Alternative Routes: If you are traveling from Southampton to Portsmouth, consider using the A27 or the M3 as alternative routes. While these may be busier than usual, they can help bypass the affected areas.
3. Use Public Transport: Given the disruptions to road traffic, consider using trains or buses to reach your destination. The train services from Southampton to London are still running on time, and there are bus routes that can help you bypass the M27 entirely.
4. Expect Delays: Plan for potential delays, particularly during peak travel times (11 am to 7 pm). Make sure to leave plenty of extra time to reach your destination, especially if you have appointments or holiday plans.
5. Stay Updated: Keep an eye on real-time traffic updates, especially on the National Highways website or the official Hampshire County Council social media channels. Changes to the diversion routes may occur as the project progresses.
6. Be Prepared for Limited Access: If you plan to visit areas near Junction 9 or Junction 11, make sure to confirm which routes are open and closed. There will be limited access to these junctions, so finding alternate ways in advance will save time.

More Travel Disruptions: Frost-Jacking Theft Alert

In addition to the motorway closure, UK police are warning motorists about an emerging crime trend known as “frost-jacking.” Thieves have been targeting unattended vehicles left running to defrost windows in the cold weather. Over the past week, several cars have been stolen in under an hour in Fife, with thieves taking advantage of the vehicle owners’ momentary distraction. To avoid falling victim to this crime, motorists should never leave their vehicles running unattended, even if just for a few minutes.

Conclusion: Christmas Travel Chaos in the UK

The 11-day closure of the M27 over Christmas and New Year is a significant disruption for both holidaymakers and business travelers. The diversion routes may lead to delays, but careful planning can help minimize the impact. Despite the short-term challenges, the improvements made to the M27 will ultimately benefit travelers in the years to come by reducing congestion and improving traffic flow. As always, travelers are urged to check for real-time updates, consider alternative routes, and allow extra time for their journeys during this busy period.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated