VolkerFitzpatrick has been chosen by Hampshire County Council as its design and build contractor to deliver the planned M27 Junction 10 improvement scheme.

This marks a key milestone for this significant and complex project which will enable the development of Welborne Garden Village to the north of Fareham.

VolkerFitzpatrick and lead designer, Ramboll, bring significant expertise and experience to the project team and will work closely with the County Council and National Highways to finalise the design for the scheme, with construction planned to begin in 2023.

The upgrade involves the provision of a new motorway underpass to the west of the existing M27 Junction 10, three new slip roads to facilitate an 'all moves' arrangement and the construction of a new dual carriageway to link the new slip roads to the existing road network. These highway improvements will make a very significant contribution to the local economy, enabling much needed new housing, amenities and jobs. Hampshire County Council is the delivery body for the Junction 10 project.

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Paul Lilley, VolkerFitzpatrick's Operations Director, commented: "We are delighted to have been awarded this prestigious contract by Hampshire County Council. Our regional approach will allow us to deliver our highways expertise in a way that will most benefit the Hampshire community."

Councillor Edward Heron, the County Council's Executive Lead Member for Transport and Environment Strategy, said: "I am very pleased with how this project is progressing and I welcome the news that a contractor has been appointed. With the development of the new Garden Village at Welborne, it is important that the necessary road infrastructure is put in place to secure the full benefits for the local economy and communities.

"As the Highway Authority for the local road network, the County Council is very experienced at successfully managing the development and delivery of large transport projects on our own road network. However, the construction of a new motorway underpass on the M27, which is managed by National Highways, is technically complex and requires expert and specialist engineering knowledge. I am confident that Volker Fitzpatrick, supported by Ramboll, will be a very able partner to this end. We are very proud to be leading this important milestone project, but we do not underestimate the magnitude of the task."

In March 2022, Hampshire County Council and Fareham Borough Council welcomed news of an award of £41.25 million of Housing Investment Grant by Homes England towards the upgrade of Junction 10. This will make a substantial contribution to the overall cost of the scheme with the remaining £40 million being provided by the Welborne developers.

Ramboll Highways' Market Director, Andrew Ogden, said: "We're excited to be involved in designing the improved junction arrangements and facilitating the high-quality Welborne Garden Village. It’s set to bring significant improvements to those living, working and travelling in Hampshire supporting the provision of strong, inclusive and resilient communities."