DRIVERS on a Hampshire motorway are set to get the latest traffic information thanks to new electronic overhead signs.

Six new overhead information signs are to be put up between junction seven at Hedge End and junction eight at Bursledon as part of a £8.74m upgrade project.

Identical signs are already in place between junction three at Nursling and junction one at Cadnam.

Work on installing the signs, which will warn drivers of any accidents or hazardous driving conditions, will start on February 29 and is due to be completed by March 10.

Transport chiefs are limiting any lane closures to the night in a bid to minimise disruption.

Both the eastbound and westbound carriageways will in turn be affected by closures from 10pm until 6am for the installation of the overhead gantries.

The eastbound carriageway will be closed overnight on February 28 and March 1. The westbound carriageway will be closed overnight on March 7, March 8 and March 9.

A diversion route will be in place when the carriageways are closed, adding an estimated five minutes to drivers' journeys.

Highways Agency project manager, Guy Berresford, said: "The installation of these gantries and information signs will provide drivers with improved direction signing and real-time information, helping to meet the agency's commitment to keeping drivers informed about conditions on the road ahead. During the installation of the gantries and sign boards, the carriageways will be closed for the safety of drivers and the road workers.

"By carrying out these works overnight we hope to keep any delay to road users to a minimum."