Motorists travelling from Winchester to London next weekend will face severe disruptions.

Drivers are being advised to plan ahead and leave extra time for their journeys as a full weekend closure is planned to begin next Friday, February 9, on the M3 London-bound carriageway between junctions 4a and 3.

Following inspections earlier in the year, National Highways identified a series of maintenance issues on this section of the M3.

While works are progressing well, weekend closures are necessary to allow contractors to complete the project.

READ MORE: Drivers warned of delays on the M3 due to ongoing roadworks

This includes installation of an upgraded barrier, resurfacing, renewal of road markings and removal of traffic management measures.

From Friday, February 9, to Monday, February 12, the M3 London-bound carriageway will be fully closed (9pm - 6am) between junctions 4a (Farnborough/Fleet) and 3 (Bracknell/Woking).

While the closure is in place the following diversion route will be in place which has been agreed with Hampshire and Surrey County Councils:

  • All vehicles should exit at M3 junction 4a and join the A327 for approximately 1.8 miles,

  • Traffic should then turn right onto the A30 continue for approximately 7.1 miles

  • Vehicles should then turn right onto Grove End link road, turning left onto the A322, before turning left to rejoin the M3 London bound at junction 3.

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The London-bound slip road, approaching from Frimley, will also be closed at junction 4 over the same weekend.

  • All vehicles from junction 4 should use the A331 and then turn right onto the A30 London Road.

  • After approximately 4.5 miles turn right onto the A322 and then rejoin the M3 London bound at junction 3.

Road users should allow extra time to complete their journeys and follow the official diversion route, which will be fully sign-posted.

More information about the M3 carriageway repairs can be found here: nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/south-east/south-east-maintenance-schemes/