M27 motorway facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
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| Route information | ||||
| Length | 27.9 mi (44.9 km) | |||
| Existed | 1972–present | |||
| History | Constructed 1972–83 | |||
| Major junctions | ||||
| West end | Cadnam 50°55′06″N 1°35′35″W / 50.9182°N 1.5930°W |
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  J3 → M271 motorway   J4 → M3 motorway   J12 → M275 motorway |
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| East end | Portsmouth 50°50′12″N 1°03′54″W / 50.8366°N 1.0650°W |
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| Location | ||||
| Primary destinations: |
Southampton, Fareham, Portsmouth, (Ringwood), (Bournemouth), (Salisbury), (Winchester), (Chichester), (Brighton) | |||
| Road network | ||||
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→The M27 is a major motorway in Hampshire, England. It is a special type of road called a motorway, meaning it has no traffic lights or roundabouts. The main reason it was built was to connect the important cities of Southampton and Portsmouth.
This motorway is about 28 miles (45 kilometers) long. It runs from Cadnam in the west to Portsmouth in the east. The M27 was built in different parts between 1972 and 1983. It helps people travel quickly between many towns and cities in the south of England.
Contents
Understanding Motorway Junctions
Motorways like the M27 have special exits and entrances called junctions. These are numbered to help drivers know where to turn off or join the motorway. Each junction connects the motorway to other main roads, leading to different towns and areas.
Key Connections on the M27
The M27 connects to several other important motorways. This helps drivers reach even more places across the country.
- Junction 3: This junction connects the M27 to the M271 motorway. The M271 leads directly into the city of Southampton and its busy docks.
- Junction 4: Here, the M27 meets the M3 motorway. The M3 is a very important road that goes north towards London and the Midlands. It also connects to Winchester.
- Junction 12: At this junction, the M27 links up with the M275 motorway. The M275 takes drivers right into the heart of Portsmouth and its ferry terminals.
Other Important M27 Exits
The M27 also has many other junctions that lead to towns and attractions in Hampshire.
- Junction 1: This is the western end of the motorway near Cadnam. It connects to the A31 road, which goes towards Ringwood and Bournemouth. It also leads to the beautiful New Forest.
- Junction 2: This exit takes you towards Salisbury on the A36 road. You can also reach Paultons Park, a popular theme park, from here.
- Junction 5: This junction serves Southampton and Eastleigh. It also provides access to Southampton Airport, which is handy for air travel.
- Junction 7: This exit leads to the town of Hedge End via the A334 road.
- Junction 8: This junction connects to Hamble-le-Rice and the eastern parts of Southampton's docks.
- Junction 9: This exit serves Fareham (west) and the area of Whiteley.
- Junction 10: This junction is a bit different because it only allows traffic to join the M27 from the A32 road towards Alton. There is no exit from the M27 here.
- Junction 11: This junction leads to the center of Fareham and also connects to Gosport.
It is interesting to note that there is no Junction 6 on the M27. This is not uncommon on motorways, as numbers might be skipped for future plans or other reasons.
Services Along the M27
Motorways often have special areas called services where drivers can stop for a break. These places usually have fuel stations, food, and restrooms.
The M27 has one main service area called Rownhams Services. It is located between Junctions 3 and 4. This is a good place to stop if you are feeling tired or need to refuel your vehicle during your journey.
Images for kids
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Looking down onto the M27 from Portsdown Hill
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M27 Between junctions 5 and 7 (there is no junction 6)
