National Highways has announced it’s about to start work on an important safety upgrade of the central barrier on a busy section of the M3 in Hampshire.

Work to upgrade the 10-mile long steel safety barrier to a concrete one between junction 9 (Winchester) and junction 14 (Southampton) will start with the installation of narrow lanes on Monday 6 June, with a planned start of work in the central reservation at the end of the month.

This work will be carried out in two phases. The first phase will be between junction 12 to 14 and the second being junctions 9 to 12. Once each phase has been completed central reservation work will begin.

Concrete barriers are even stronger than metal ones and significantly reduce the risk of vehicles crossing over from one carriageway to another, improving safety and reducing the duration of incident-related congestion. They are also virtually maintenance free and will last twice as long as normal metal barriers, with far less need for closures for routine repairs.

Millat Ahmed who is overseeing the upgrades for National Highways, said: “Concrete safety barriers significantly reduce the risk of vehicles crossing over from one carriageway to another, improving safety and reducing the duration of incident-related congestion. This is an important safety upgrade and is a huge benefit to road users.”

During the roadworks three lanes will remain open to traffic. The hard shoulder will be used as a running lane, with three slightly narrowed lanes, creating a safe working area in the central reservation. There will be a reduced speed limit of 50mph, CCTV coverage and a free recovery service whilst work is being carried out.

(Picture – National Highways)