FAMILIES going out and about this weekend are being warned to expect roadworks across Hampshire and further afield.

One of the biggest projects is taking place on the M27, part of which will be affected by lane closures over the next two days.

The motorway west of the Hamble Bridge between junction 8 (Bursledon) and junction 9 (Park Gate) will be reduced from three lanes to two lane in preparation for the installation of a new gantry.

Daily Echo:

The work will involve one lane being closed in each direction between 6am until 8pm on Saturday and Sunday.

A Highways England spokesman said: "The lane reduction will be in place for the safety of our workforce as well as road users. Three lanes will be open at all other times throughout this time.

"This weekend’s activity will involve a piling rig, inserting interlocking sheets into the soil to enable the installation of gantry sign posts.

"This work is known as ‘sheet piling’.

"The work was originally planned to take place overnight, but following sheet piling work at a number of other locations, and the impact that this activity can cause to local communities when carried out overnight, the programme has been changed so that this work can take place during the day.

The scheme coincides with an ongoing project to convert the M27 near Southampton, Eastleigh and Hedge End into a smart motorway.

Daily Echo:

Hampshire drivers travelling further afield are being warned of roadworks on the M4 this weekend.

Highways England is advising people to plan as a section of the motorway near Chieveley will be closed for resurfacing work.

A spokesman said: "This work was originally due to take place from Friday 2 October to Monday 5 October but was postponed due to adverse weather conditions.

"The work will now take place this weekend, from 9pm on Friday 16 October through to 6am on Monday 19 October, meaning the eastbound M4 will be closed between junction 13 (Chieveley) and junction 12 (Theale/Reading) to allow the materials to cool sufficiently.

"The westbound carriageway is not affected by this work.

"Traffic will be diverted from junction 13, south down the A34 and A339 into Newbury, then east along the A4 to re-join the M4 at junction 12. This weekend was chosen as there are no weekend closures for the M4 smart motorway upgrade this weekend.

"Drivers heading eastbound are advised to plan their journeys, allow extra time or avoid this route if possible."

Daily Echo:

The following roadworks are taking place in Southampton next week:

West Quay Road: Work to improve access for people walking and cycling along West Quay Road from Herbert Walker Avenue to Harbour Parade.

A334 Thornhill Park Road/Hinkler Road Park: Work to upgrade the traffic signals at A334 Thornhill Park Road/Hinkler Road Park junction. The project will also deliver new crossing facilities for people walking and cycling across the junction.

Redbridge Roundabout: Ongoing Highways England project.

Millbrook Footbridge: Ongoing Network Rail project to replace Millbrook Footbridge.

Mountbatten Way: Final stages of project to lengthen right-hand turn into West Quay Road and create an extra line.

In the New Forest part of Furzley Road, near Newbridge, will be closed between 7am and 7pm today and tomorrow.

The repair project affects a small section of Furzley Road near its junction with Cadnam Lane.