United Kingdom – The Highways Agency has announced that the next phase of its GBP8 million project to improve driver information on the M3 has begun.

The work includes the installation of electronic message signs, CCTV cameras and emergency telephones between Winchester and Southampton.

The agency has revealed that while the installations are taking place, junctions between nine and 14 will have to be closed.

To reduce disruption to motorists these closures will occur between 22:00 BST and 06:00 BSTand only individual junctions will ever be closed at one time, with clear sign posting.

The new technology is designed to reduce congestion by providing drivers with far more information than has previously been possible.

Message signs will display pictures and a detection system will monitor traffic in order to warn drivers of any hazards that may lie ahead.

"The new system will reduce the congestion and accident rate on the M3," said Highways Agency project sponsor, Guy Berresford.

"We will be able to automatically monitor traffic levels and display pictures as well as text to better inform road users and allow them to either slow down earlier or take alternative routes," he added.

It is expected that the work will continue throughout the whole of May 2006.tracktrack