National Highways Schedules Overnight M27 Closures Through June

National Highways will impose a series of overnight closures on the M27 between junctions 5 and 7 from the end of May through June. The closures form the final stage of an £83 million improvement scheme that started in February 2024. The project has resurfaced large sections of the motorway with quieter concrete, upgraded drainage systems, and replaced safety barriers.

National Highways stated that the remaining work requires lane access without live traffic.

The first closure affects the junction 8 eastbound entry slip road on Saturday, May 30. Additional closures are set for the junction 5 westbound exit slip road on June 2 and a full westbound closure between junctions 7 and 5 on June 6. Further overnight closures are planned for eastbound entry slip roads at junctions 7 and 8 on June 10 and 11, and for the junction 5 westbound entry slip road on June 12 and 13.

Signed diversion routes will operate during each closure. National Highways said the overnight work is needed to install permanent road signs, remove temporary speed cameras, and finish testing technology systems. A spokesperson stated that the systems "are not yet fully operational" and that workers require safe access away from live traffic.

Drivers will continue to face a temporary 50mph speed limit while testing proceeds. " Once testing is complete, the national 70mph speed limit is expected to return between junctions 4 and 7 during June. National Highways described the project as part of a long-term investment to improve journeys on one of the South Coast's busiest motorways.

A lane closure and 50mph restriction near junction 8 will remain after this project ends because of separate bridge maintenance work scheduled to begin in spring 2027. National Highways warned that closure dates could change due to operational needs or weather.