UK travel chaos as major motorway used by 150,000 drivers to shut this month

This busy stretch of a major UK motorway is set to shut, with 150,000 drivers a day to be heavily impacted.

Later this month, the road will close and travel chaos is expected as motorists will face severe delays for a large stretch of the M27, reports The Sun.

The road is closing for essential upgrades which cannot be carried out with traffic flow present.

National Highways confirmed the motorway will close between junctions 9 and 7 so that the road can be resurfaced.

The closure will happen on the westbound road from 8pm on 20 November until 6am on 21 November. Alternative routes will be subject to delays due to increased traffic flow on these roads.

The closure comes as part of a long-term project aimed at reducing noise and upgrading the old road surfaces.

A team of engineers will also work on drainage and safety improvements, with works expected to be completed by spring 2026.

The road upgrade comes as part of a project costing £83 million to extend the road’s lifespan and improve safety. 

Other changes to UK road systems are in place, with the junction 5 roundabout lane closure already impacting drivers.

The lane closure began in mid-October and is ongoing while the resurfacing takes place.

Currently, plans to speed up the process are underway, with updates expected after November 18.

Other disruptions to motorways are expected with the M42, which links Birmingham Airport and the NEC, facing closures.

National Highways has warned of significant delays, advising motorists to allow extra time due to engineering works for the HS2 rail line.

Drivers using the A483 Dee Viaduct in Wrexham will also face nighttime closures from November 11 to 15, as the 34-year-old bridge undergoes inspections.

The A483 serves as a critical route between Wales and England, with a 14.3-mile diversion in place, directing traffic to the A5 and other nearby routes to bypass the area.