A MOTORWAY slip road is closed this weekend as part of a multi-million pound project to improve the road.

Here is all you need to know.

WHERE IS THE CLOSURE?

The westbound entry slip road at Junction 9 of the M27 for Whiteley shut last night and will reopen at 6am on Monday.

This is to allow carriageway widening and resurfacing works as well as replacement of safety barriers.

WHAT IS THE DIVERSION?

Those wanting to enter the M27 at Junction 9 and travel west will need to instead travel east, come off at Junction 11 and then re-enter the motorway on the westbound carriageway. Diversion signs will be in place.

Daily Echo: The diversion route (Pic: Hampshire County Council)The diversion route (Pic: Hampshire County Council)

WHY IS IT CLOSED?

It comes as part of Hampshire County Council’s £23 million project to improve the M27 junction 9 and Parkway South Roundabout.

The scheme to upgrade M27 Junction 9 and Parkway South Roundabout aims to increase highway capacity and improve the flow of traffic by widening the roundabouts, adding additional lanes to the motorway slip roads and installing traffic lights at the Parkway South Roundabout.

A shared use path for pedestrians and cyclists will be provided on the western side of Whiteley Way between M27 Junction 9 and Parkway South roundabout.

This will have controlled crossings points at each junction to provide safe access and connections to existing pedestrian and cycle routes on Whiteley Way, Rookery Avenue and within the Segensworth Business Park.

Work is due to last for up to 24 months until summer 2022.

Councillor Rob Humby, Deputy Leader of Hampshire County Council and Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Environment, said: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this temporary closure, which is needed to carry out the works safely and as quickly as possible, but please be assured that we will do all we can to keep any disruption to a minimum.

"The M27 is a critical, strategic corridor in southern Hampshire which helps to keep the economy moving.

"This scheme, when complete, will improve traffic flow, therefore reducing journey times in the area."