VolkerFitzpatrick has been appointed by National Highways to upgrade junction 9 of the M3 motorway in England at a cost of around €287.3 million.
The junction connects the southern part of county Hampshire with London, the Midlands. More than 6,000 vehicles pass through junction nine every hours during peak periods.
Work includes the creation of four traffic lanes in each direction of the M3 as well as the provision of a same direction free-flow link between the M3 motorway and A34 main road. VolkerFitzpatrick will also construct three bridges, rearrange the main junction 9 roundabout and provide a number of other structures including new underpasses as well as walking and cycling improvements.
The project is due to start on site in early 2025.
VolkerFitzpatrick says that is taking steps to minimise its environmental impact by reusing existing sub-base from the project, which will be tested before being re-laid. Measures are in place to minimise any ecological impact on the surrounding area, including the South Downs National Park, and on the animal and plant species that live and grow nearby. New landscape features will also help blend the highway improvements into the surrounding areas.
Deon Scholtz, highways director for VolkerFitzpatrick, said the appointment continues the company’scollaboration with National Highways, the government agency responsible for maintaining the strategic main road network in England.
The M3 junction 9 upgrade is part of National Highways’ €10 billion Regional Delivery Partnership, which has seen the VolkerFitzpatrick team deliver works to improve roads and infrastructure in south-east England.
