Rownhams Interchange

The Rownhams Interchange, also known as Junction 3 of the M27 and (since 2013) Junction 2 of the M271, is the junction between the M27 and M271. It is a regular roundabout interchange for the M27, whilst the M271 has to negotiate the roundabout.

As a result of this junction, the M271 is one of few motorways to have a roundabout on the mainline.

Upgrades

the controversial traffic lights in the southeast corner

In 1995, the M27 westbound through here was used to trial the idea of a solid white line separating what was then lanes one and two. The theory was that the solid line would reduce the number of collisions caused by lane changing, but no significant reduction was observed. This was blamed partly on the low contrast of the concrete motorway surface, and partly on the way traffic passes the qeueue to exit the motorway. It was the sister to the more successful M6 J6 experiment.

Early changes to the junction included signalising the northwest corner of the roundabout, and narrowing the eastern bridge to one lane. In the early 00s, the southwest corner of the roundabout was signalised. In 2007, the south-east corner was signalised and the eastern bridge returned to two lanes. This scheme was initially controversial, with several days of scathing in the local press, but the reduction in queues was . Around the same time, Highways Agency officials floated a proposal to close the southern section of the roundabout and removing the SW traffic lights at the J3-J4 widening exhibition. Despite only 10% of traffic on the roundabout being flows that use the link (E->N and N->W), the scheme was met with a hostile response from locals concerned about rat-running and wasn't pursued.

In 2014, the approach to the roundabout from the westbound M27 will be widened, along with a small amount of the M271 and the final, northeast, corner will be signalised.

Routes

Route	To	Notes
M27	The West, Salisbury, Ringwood, Bournemouth
M27	London, The Midlands, Winchester, Portsmouth (M3)
M271	Romsey
M271	Southampton, The Docks, Nursling Ind Est

Links

• Roads.org.uk: Bad junctions - Rownhams Interchange
• Highways Agency future plans for the junction