MOTORISTS face three months of misery on one of the region’s busiest motorways.

Work to improve road bridges under the M27, due to begin on Sunday, will see the speed limit reduced to 50mph and lorries restricted to one lane.

While the work takes place average speed cameras will operate along the route.

The Highways Agency said the £1.6m resurfacing of three bridges is necessary to keep them from falling apart.

The disruption will affect the stretch between junctions one and two – one of the busiest sections of the motorway.

All three lanes will be open during peak times, but outside this time lane closures are expected and a contra-flow system will be used.

There will also be occasional overnight slip road closures.

The work is expected to be completed by February 23 but The Highways Agency told the Echo the disruption could last longer in the event of a harsh winter.

The bridges being repaired are the ones carrying the M27 over Station Road, another over the Nursling House Subway and the third over the River Test.

They will be resurfaced and water proofed to prevent corrosion damaging them.

A Highways Agency spokesman said: “It is fairly standard maintenance for us because we have a lot of bridges on the network.

“It is about getting it over and done with.

“Doing the three at the same time keeps disruption to a minimum and there are cost savings.

“It is work that we are experienced in carrying out and we have a good track record of keeping traffic moving.

“We will be keeping all three lanes open in peak times and it should not affect journeys too much.”

Road signs warning of the reduced speed limit in a 1.8 mile stretch are expected to be in place on the west bound carriageway by Sunday.

The eastbound carriageway will see speed limits in place by mid week.

A single lane could be closed overnight while six average speed cameras are being installed.