MOTORISTS on the M3 are facing huge delays because work is being carried out to fix a central reservation barrier following a crash earlier today.

Police closed the southbound stretch of the motorway following a collision between a number of vehicles at around 1.10pm today.

The accident caused serious damage to the crash barrier forcing highways chiefs to close off outside lanes on both carriageways while repair work is carried out.

Hampshire police said one lane of the southbound carriageway had been reopened by 3pm after the damage was cleared, but they were unable to confirm the number of vehicles involved in the crash.

The crash happened between junctions eight and nine on the Hampshire motorway, close to Winchester.

Further delays are expected as repairs are carried out on the barrier which was knocked into the right hand lane of the northbound stretch of the carriageway.

The lanes on either side of the motorway are expected to be closed until early Wednesday morning.

Two people suffered minor injuries in the multi vehicle crash.