M3 junctions 2 to 4a and M25 junction 12 amendments

Overview

Overview

We are consulting on the proposal to amend the current statutory instruments “M3 Motorway (Junctions 2 to 4a) (Variable Speed Limits) Regulations 2015 No. 241” and “The M3 and M25 (Thorpe Interchange)(Speed Limit) Regulations 2009 No. 1421”.

We are proposing to:

• extend the fixed 50mph zone by 1.05 km further west to Junction 2 on the M3 westbound carriageway
• relocate  the commencement of the variable speed limit, 0.2 km closer to junction 2 on the M3 westbound carriageway
• change the reference point used to define the link from the anti-clockwise carriageway of the M25 to the westbound carriageway of the M3

Why are these amendments necessary?

The M3 Smart Motorway between Junctions 2 and 4a introduced an improved layout between the M25 link roads merging into the M3 westbound carriageway at junction 2. This is expected to smooth traffic flows and reduce congestion at this strategic interchange. To reflect this we are proposing these amendments to ensure heavy goods vehicles travelling on the M3 westbound carriageway towards Southampton, continue to have sufficient weaving length to be able to safely navigate to the nearside lanes, ahead of the variable speed limit section of the network.

The change in the link road reference point does not alter the actual start point but is necessary because Muckhatch Lane Over Bridge is not clearly defined on the map. To remove any ambiguity New Wickham Lane Over Bridge will be used as it is a more appropriate reference point.

Comments on the proposed amendments

We would like to encourage organisations, businesses or individuals affected by these proposals to make contact with us and communicate their views.

If you are responding on behalf of an organisation, it would be helpful if you could note this in your reply. Please also indicate the nature of the organisation, how many individuals' views are included in the response and ways in which these views were gathered.

You can view full details of our proposals in the consultation brochure. You can then complete the consultation response form (located in Appendix B) and either post it or email it to us.

Said Enany, Highways England
Bridge House

1 Walnut Tree Close
Guildford, Surrey
GU1 4LZ

Email: M3Junction2to4aSmartMotorways@highwaysengland.co.uk