THEY are often criticised for holding up traffic while ‘not doing any work’.

But this footage from Highways England proves its staff has been putting a shift in on roundabout improvements near a Hampshire motorway.

The agency released a time-lapse video showing progress made on improvements to the Black Dam roundabout at junction 6 of the M3 near Basingstoke.

The works are part of the Government’s £317m pinch point programme to remove bottle necks and keep traffic moving.

Footage shows the construction of the new road through the middle of the roundabout.

Work is still required on sections and link roads and it is estimated the scheme will now be completed in the autumn.

Highways England Asset Manager Neil Andrew said: “We have made a great deal of progress on these important improvements, but there is still more to do. We’ve had to move a major gas main and high voltage electrical cables, which has taken longer than planned, but the improvements are well underway and we are looking forward to the improved junction opening to traffic this autumn.

“I recognise that our work has caused disruption and we are working to continue to reduce the impact on road users, businesses and the local community.”

A substantial amount of work is still needed to complete other sections, including drainage, new gantry installation and traffic lights to manage the operation of the junction.

Highways England will be closing the link from the M3 and reducing the roundabout to one lane over two weekends – June 19 to June 22 and June 26 to June 29.

The closures will be in place between 10pm and 5.30am. The southbound link to the M3 will remain open.