M3: Motorway closed as bridge is demolished in £322million project as diversions planned

A major Hampshire motorway is closed this weekend so engineers can demolish a bridge during a multi-million pound project.

The M3 is currently shut in both directions between junction 8 and 9 as the old southern bridge is being taken down. This is part of a £322m revamp.

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The closure began at 9pm last night (November 6) and will be blocked off to drivers until 6am on Monday (November 9). Diversions are in place for motorists.

The AA Traffic Map said: “Road closed and delays expected due to weekend roadworks until the early hours of Monday morning on M3 Both ways from J8 A303 to J9 A34 (Winnal roundabout / Winchester North).”

They motorway’s north and south bridges made up the junction's roundabout. National Highways has replaced these with a new gyratory earlier this year as part of a major upgrade to the busy junction used by the South’s motorists to head towards the Midlands, Wales and the North.

A diversion will be in place along the A34 and the A303 via Sutton Scotney.

A National Highways spokesperson said: “This is a major milestone in our M3 Junction 9 improvements. We'll work day and night to minimise disruption.”