A UK motorway has fully reopened two years after roadworks began on the crucial route. The M27 between junction five at Eastleigh and junction seven at Hedge End fully reopened from 06:00 BST on Wednesday, over two years before work began.

National Highways started upgrading the route back in February 2024, with an estimated £83million spent on construction costs. National Highways has confirmed that it is in the “final phase” of the scheme, but work is not yet fully complete. A temporary 50mph speed limit is in place for now, with ten 70mph limits expected to be restored around late June.

Meanwhile, officials have stressed that a series of overnight closures are also expected to install permanent road signs across the route. The first of these closures is scheduled for Tuesday, April 30, with westbound sliproads between Junctions 5 and 7 closed between 9pm and 6am.

There are also further overnight closures between Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3, Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17 and Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31. National Highways has previously explained that the works will provide a low-noise surface along a section of the M27.

They said: “The thick asphalt overlay of the M27 will ensure that the concrete stays stable for much longer and we won't need to replace it in a few years. The M27 at this location passes through several Noise Important Areas. The new low-noise surface will help to reduce the noise and will benefit the communities living near the road.”

Significant drainage improvements will be made to the road, with safety improvements added to the central reservation.

National Highways stressed that the new measures will ensure a smoother ride for drivers, improve safety and ensure the road lasts longer.

The roadworks have caused frustration among local residents and businesses, with Bob Terris, from Southampton-based haulage firm Meachers Global Logistics, calling out the disruption.

He told the BBC that businesses “know how much time we're losing” and added it was having a financial impact.

Bob explained: "It's reduced the productivity of the vehicles, so our costs are higher, and our revenues lower because we don't get paid if they're not moving.”