MAJOR works are due to begin in Winchester on Monday as part of a scheme to improve the bottleneck Junction 9 roundabout connecting the A34 and the M3.

The works aim to ease congestion and will include the widening of the top of Easton Lane to three lanes, as well as more traffic lights.

The works, to last until early December, are expected to create worse congestion in the Winnall area.

If the predicted stormy weather arrrives on Monday then the start is set to be delayed.

The work will result in overnight lane closures as well as occasional complete closures. The closures will be advertised in advance on road signs and on the scheme’s website.

Vehicles travelling between the M3 and A34 will be diverted along the A303 and M3 and M3 traffic will not be able to exit at Junction 9 to access the Winnall roundabout.

Due to a bridge height restriction on the B3047 London Road, large vehicles travelling to or from the A33 (Kings Worthy) will be diverted via Alresford and the A31.

For more information contact the Highways Agency information line on 0300 123 5000 or email them at ha_info@highways.gsi.gov.uk. Alternatively please visit the scheme webpage at www.highways.gov.uk/a34eastonlane.