M271 motorway 2.68

The M271 is a motorway near Southampton in Hampshire, England. It is 3mi long. Construction began in 1973 and it opened in 1975. It provides part of the route to Southampton Docks from the M27, which in turn makes up another part of the route to the docks from the nearby M3 Motorway.RouteThe motorway begins at Redbridge near Totton at a grade separated roundabout with the A35, heading north, briefly as a dual 3 lane motorway. At its first junction, it reduces to 2 lanes and continues east of Hillyfields. After a further 1mi it reaches a junction with the M27 at a signal controlled roundabout. North of the M27 it enters the countryside and terminates after a further 1mi of dual 2 lane road at another roundabout, this time with the A3057 near Upton.The route has several features that are inconsistent with UK motorway standards, including a sharp bend at its southern terminus, and an at-grade roundabout at its junction with the M27. Hampshire County Council's LTTP to 2026 (Long Term Transport Plan) identifies the need for an 'M271 Spur' at the southern end to connect it to the A33 towards the docks in a free-flow interchange.