M27 Roadworks Extended By Five Months

30 July 2013, 10:18 | Updated: 30 July 2013, 10:20

Roadworks on the M27 at Junction 9 in Hampshire will take five months longer than expected.

The Highways Agency says the scheme to upgrade two bridges near Park Gate has been extended until January 2014.

The work - which began in February 2013 - is to replace important components on the bridges.

Steve Cobb, Highways Agency Structures Manager said:

"Work to replace the bridge piers is progressing; however we have found a number of additional tasks are required. We have carefully considered how best to complete this extra work, and concluded that the most efficient way for all is to carry on, rather than completing this phase and then returning at a later date. As a result, it is currently anticipated that construction work will now be completed by the end of January 2014 instead of September 2013.

"We apologise for the delay and thank road users for their co-operation while we carry out these essential repairs."

As work has progressed the construction team have discovered that the original plans of the piers do not match the situation on the ground, meaning extra work is required to complete the scheme. Also, detailed assessments of the beams has shown that more extensive repairs than originally anticipated are required.
 
Narrow lanes, a 50mph speed limit and a free recovery service have been in place since April 2013, following preparation work which included resurfacing the hard shoulder to allow traffic to use it during the main construction.