WORK to widen and install traffic signals on the roundabout above the slip road westbound at junction 2 of the M27 near Ower begins on November 6th.

The Highways Agency says the lights are being installed to assist the flow of traffic leaving the motorway and to reduce tailbacks. There will also be some widening of the road at the roundabout.

Work on the £146,566 scheme, which is expected to last until mid December, will be mainly overnight. A 40mph limit will be in place, but this may be reduced to 10mph at times while the work is underway on the roundabout. A complete closure of the westbound exit slip may be necessary on occasional nights, but there will be clearly signed diversions.

Highways Agency project manager, Ted Hart, said: "The traffic levels at this junction mean that at times vehicles queue back on to the main carriageway, which disrupts the flow there and increases the risk of accidents.

"The widening at the roundabout and the installation of the traffic signals will ensure that drivers on the slip road and the carriageway have the risk of accidents reduced and their delays minimised.

"We are carrying out most of these works at night to minimise disruption. However, some delays may be experienced, as a mandatory 40mph speed limit will be in place throughout the works."

Main contractors will be Ashridge Construction Ltd who will be supervised by Mott MacDonald.