DRIVERS are facing an extra four months of roadworks misery on a Hampshire motorway – after a bridge repair project was hit with delays.

Work to replace important parts of two bridges at junction nine on the M27 near Park Gate were due to be completed by September this year.

But motorists will now face 50mph speed limits and narrow lanes in the area until January after workmen realised the bridges needed more repairs than first thought.

Steve Cobb, Highways Agency structures manager said: “Work to replace the bridge piers is progressing; however we have found a number of additional tasks are required.

“We have carefully considered how best to complete this extra work, and concluded that the most efficient way for all is to carry on, rather than completing this phase and then returning at a later date.

“As a result, it is currently anticipated that construction work will now be completed by the end of January 2014 instead of September 2013.

“We apologise for the delay and thank road users for their co-operation while we carry out these essential repairs.”

Narrow lanes, a 50mph speed limit and a free recovery service have been in place since April 2013, following preparation work which included resurfacing the hard shoulder to allow traffic to use it during the main construction.