NATIONAL Highways has announced a hearing on the upcoming M3 Junction 9 improvement project.

Taking place on Wednesday, May 17 at Mercure Winchester Wessex Hotel, on Paternoster Row, Winchester, the hearing will start at 10am. Members of the public will be able to attend the hearing either in person or virtually via Microsoft Teams.

Those wishing to participate in the hearing can either attend it at the venue or register to participate online by visiting the Planning Inspectorate’s website: infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk.

Additionally, copies of the application documents, including the draft Development Consent Order, can also be viewed on the Planning Inspectorate’s website. Full copies of the application documents are also available to be viewed electronically, free of charge, at Winchester Library, Eastleigh Library, Chandler’s Ford Library and Alresford Library.

READ MORE: City centre traffic lights finally finished after temporary lights caused delays

The M3 Junction 9 improvement scheme will consist of widening the M3 from a dual two-lane motorway to a four-lane motorway between the proposed M3 Junction 9 gyratory north and south slip roads. A new smaller-grade gyratory roundabout within the footprint of the existing roundabout, incorporating new connections over the M3 with improved walking, cycling and horse-riding routes has also been proposed.

Connector roads to and from the roundabout will also be constructed, along with improved slip roads on and off the M3 to the A34. New signages and gantries will also be installed, with new lighting added to subways, underpasses and gantries. Modifications to topography through cuttings and false cuttings will also take place, with the creation of new areas of chalk grassland, woodland, scrub planting and species-rich grassland. New walking, cycling and horse-riding provision will also be introduced.

For further information about the M3 Junction 9 improvement project, visit infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk or email m3junction9@planninginspectorate.gov.uk quoting application reference number TR010055.