National Highways has provided an update on when work will take place on the M27 following the fatal crash that destroyed a gantry in Southampton.

The crash - involving a Mercedes lorry, Nissan Juke and Volkswagen Polo - happened just after 12.30p on February 21.

The incident led to the westbound carriageway of the motorway being closed for several hours between junction seven in Hedge End and junction five for Southampton Airport.

Lorry driver Michal Kaminski, 36, tragically died at the scene despite the best efforts of emergency services.

His lorry later burst into flames. The gantry had to be removed by Highways England.

READ MORE: Everything we know after man dies in M27 lorry crash

Now the agency has confirmed the installation of a new gantry is expected to take ‘an extended period’ of time.

A spokesperson for National Highways said: “The installation of a new gantry is anticipated to require an extended period, possibly spanning several months as the damage was considerable.”

The spokesperson added that teams are working on replacement works but are not able to confirm dates just yet.

It added: “Communication will be released when the time is appropriate.”