MOTORISTS using the M3 face major disruption as the Highways Agency shut down lanes over the coming months for routine maintenance.

The agency has unveiled its repairs schedule until March and roadworks look set to envelop the region.

Top of the list for upgrades is the M3.

From junction three, near Bracknell, to junction seven, past Basingstoke, acoustic barriers and repairs will cause various lane closures.

Three lanes will be maintained each way during the day but there will be overnight closures.

Hauliers and taxi firms have predicted that the roadworks will be "horrendous".

And the Automobile Association's spokeswoman for the South, Rebecca Rees, urged drivers to take care in the changed conditions.

"What we found has been that in the first few days of roadworks there is absolute chaos and there are delays," she said.

"Statistics show that if there are traffic cones on the road, the accident rate goes up one and a half times, so bear that in mind.

"Think about car-sharing and making sure your car is in good working order.

"If you're stuck in a traffic jam, you're annoyed already. You don't need your car letting you down as well."

Other roads due for upgrades include the A339, south of Newbury, where there will be traffic signals during off-peak periods. But the road-works there are not due to start until September 2001.

For updates on maintenance, call the Highways Agency Information Line on 08457 50 40 30 or visit the website at www.high-ways.co.uk