A full weekend closure of the M3 has been cancelled 24 hours before it was due to start.

The carriageway closure of the motorway between junctions 4a to 3 was due to take place from Friday to Monday.

But adverse weather conditions forecast for the weekend has put a spanner in the works.

Overnight closures will instead be in force over the weekend, from 9pm to 6am each day.

The planned resurfacing works require extended periods of dry weather, according to National Highways.

The change in plans means the team will not be able to open all lanes of the M3 on Monday as intended.

A spokesperson said: “To enable us to complete the outstanding works, the lane one and two closure will stay in place during the day.

“Full overnight closures of the M3 London-bound between junctions 4a and 3 will also be needed for the next 10 nights (9pm to 6am), with the exception of Friday, February 16.

“Whilst the team will continue to work around the clock, we are unable to work as efficiently as we would under the full weekend closure which will unfortunately mean a slight delay to our programme. “Weather depending, all remaining works will be complete and the M3 fully reopened 6am on February 19.”