Since our last consultation, we’ve been reviewing your comments and have made some key changes to our design.
To show these changes and explain our timeline for the future, we’ve created an online information portal which is now available to view from our website.
 M3 junction 9 near Winchester
Our revised design has improved walking, cycling and horse-riding routes as well as a new subway, allowing users to cross the roundabout safely.
We’ve also increased the habitat provision for local wildlife, removed the site compound at Christmas Hill and reduced the size of our temporary main compound.
The pause on the M3 J9-14 All Lane Running motorway scheme means that a revised design was needed to tie in with the existing road layout. For this reason, we’re now extending the southbound slip, updating our signage and electronic information boards and installing a new superspan gantry.
You may see us continuing to carry out surveys of local flora and fauna. We’ve recently completed dormice and bat surveys and have been looking for white clawed crayfish. It’s important that we know about our neighbours so that we can protect their habitats and work around them.
 Barrier replacement works to improve safety
You may have noticed that works are also taking place along the M3 between junctions 9 and 14. Our colleagues are replacing the old metal central reservation barrier on this stretch with a safer concrete one. This is being done by a separate project team at National Highways.
Concrete barriers significantly reduce the risk of vehicles crossing over from one carriageway to another and reduces the duration of incident-related congestion. They are also virtually maintenance free and will last longer than metal barriers, with far less need for closures for routine repairs.
For more information about this project, please visit the scheme webpage www.nationalhighways.co.uk/m3j9to14
 Improved walking, cycling and horse-riding routes
Large schemes like ours do not follow the same planning system as smaller applications – they are classed as ‘Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects’ and follow a process set out in the Planning Act 2008.
This means that we must submit an application to the Government via the Planning Inspectorate.
Our next step is to apply for Development Consent Order (DCO) by winter 2022. We will update you when we’ve made our application.
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