DRIVERS travelling towards London are advised to plan ahead and leave extra time during their journeys, due to planned roadworks on the M3.

The planned works will begin on Wednesday, January 3 after inspections carried out by National Highways earlier in 2023 identified defects on the M3 northbound carriageway between junctions four and three.

For the safety of motorists and workers, and to minimise disruption, the repairs will occur under a mixture of lane closures and full overnight closures.

The work will involve extensive deep excavations of the London-bound M3 between junctions four A and three and will require the carriageway to be fully closed overnight from Wednesday, January 3 to Thursday, January 4 from 9pm to 6am.

From Thursday, January 4 to February, both the first and second lane of the M3 will be closed 24/7, including weekends, between the two junctions.

Lanes three and four will remain open with a 50mph speed limit to enhance the safety of drivers passing deep excavations. This measure allows National Highways to continue daytime work, ensuring prompt completion of repairs.

Additionally, full overnight closures will take place between junctions four A and three on the London-bound carriageway throughout the same period.

The works are expected to be completed around mid-February.

Drivers should allow extra time during their journey and follow the official diversion route fully signed in place.

More information on M3 carriageway repairs can be found at nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/south-east.