Temporary Closure of Ashurst Footbridge
Hampshire County Council will be carrying out essential maintenance on Ashurst footbridge this December. To ensure the safety and longevity of the structure, the deck on the main span over the railway will be replaced in stages.
Closure Dates & Times
Wednesday 17 – Friday 19 December 9:00pm – 6:00am
Tuesday 30 – Wednesday 31 December 9:00pm – 7:00am
Key Information
- The footbridge will be closed during the times listed above.
- It will be reopened outside of these hours for public use.
- No alternative route will be available during the closure periods.
- On‑site signage has been installed to notify users in advance.
M27 Motorway Closure
8pm on Wednesday 24 December 2025 to 4am on Sunday 4 January 2026
Junction 9 (Whiteley) to Junction 11 (Fareham) in both directions
The Scheme
- This is a major engineering project – deploying a time-saving construction technique for the first time in Hampshire – to deliver a significant highway upgrade but is a significant construction challenge requiring a full one-off closure of a section of the M27 to ensure it can be undertaken safely
- Teams will be working round the clock over Christmas and New Year to ensure the project can be completed as quickly as possible – the innovative approach avoids many months of lane restrictions, speed limits, and overnight closures – and the closure is timed over school holidays for when traffic levels are lower
- We thank everyone for their patience and understanding as this vital infrastructure improvement work is undertaken, which will bring long-term benefits to the region’s transport network alongside homes, jobs, and new services
- Once complete, the new underpass under the M27 will carry four lanes of traffic – two in each direction – along with a shared walking, cycling route and bridleway, improving connections between Fareham and the new Welborne Garden Village development, whilst supporting future growth in the area
For Road Users
- Plan ahead and allow extra time for your journey
- Travel earlier or later in the day – the busiest hours are expected to be between 10am – 4pm
- Think about alternatives to avoid severe delays including other routes or public transport options such as train, bus, or ferry
- Consider whether your journey is necessary to help reduce congestion
- Keep up to date with the latest about the scheme and travel advice at www.hants.gov.uk/M27-J10-xmas
- Sign up to the scheme’s e-bulletin to get the latest news and updates
Alternative travel options:
Gosport Ferry – Christmas and New Year timetable
For more information and updates visit M27 Junction 10 Improvement Scheme
Upcoming Christmas Railway Works – Between St Denys and Millbrook Stations
Network Rail will be carrying out essential engineering works in Southampton over the festive period.
From 10pm on Wednesday 24 December to 4am on Saturday 27 December 2025, engineers will be renewing railway signals and the cables that power them. These upgrades are vital to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the rail network.
No trains will be running on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
The works will involve:
- Signal and cable renewals (signals act as the traffic lights of the railway)
- Use of handheld and mechanical tools
- On-track machinery and safety lighting
Residents can sign up to Network Rail’s digital notification system for the latest updates, more information can be found here – Register and sign up to digital notifications – Network Rail
Local Updates:
Temporary Closure of Ashurst Footbridge
M27 Junction 10 update – Important Motorway Closure Dates Announced: M27 Junction 10 Improvement Scheme
Current traffic information:
or visit Google Maps.
Other Resources:
Upcoming and current roadworks in the local area: MyJourney
Highways, transport and traffic information for Hampshire: Hampshire County Council
View local traffic cameras for up to the minute travel: WeatherBug Traffic Cams
Last updated 16/12/2025
