DRIVERS in Hampshire have been encouraged to leave extra time ahead of upcoming M3 slip road closures.

Closures to slip roads between the M3 at the A303 interchange near Basingstoke start this weekend, as work to repair a bridge crossing the busy motorway gets underway.

Essential maintenance, replacing bridge joints and other repairs, is required on Bramley Wood bridge near M3 junction 8 (the interchange with the A303), with two weekend closures of the slip roads required to carry out this work safely. 

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The eastbound A303 slip road (leading to the northbound M3) will be closed from 9pm on Friday, September 9 until 6am Monday, September 12 (full weekend closure). The same slip road will also be closed overnight between Monday, September, 12 and Thursday, September 15 from 9pm to 6am.

The westbound A303 slip road (from the southbound M3) will also be closed from 9pm on Friday, September 16 until 6am Monday, September 19. Again, the same slip road will be closed overnight on Monday, September 19 to Thursday, September 22 from 9pm to 6am.

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A signed diversion route will be in place using the A30 for the A303 eastbound slip road closure and the M3 and A34 for the M3 southbound link closure. However, delays are expected, and drivers are advised to find an alternative route if possible.

There will also be a diversion using the A30 in place for local traffic.