PART of a motorway is set to close tonight after a crash struck and damaged a barrier this morning.

Drivers using the M27 have been urged to plan ahead as the eastbound M27 between junctions 8 (Lowford) and 9 (Swanwick) will be closed overnight.

The stretch will be closed after a car hit and damaged a nearside barrier on the approach to the bridge on the motorway over the River Hamble earlier today.

The eastbound carriageway will be closed from 9pm tonight until 6am tomorrow, November 18.

The road will be closed so that a varioguard safety barrier can be fitted along the whole length of the bridge.

Diversions will be in place overnight and eastbound traffic will leave the M27 at junction 8 onto the A27 before re-joining the M27 at junction 9.

Once the work to fit the temporary barrier has been completed, a lane one closure between junctions 8-9 westbound.

A 50mph speed limit will remain in place for safety until a permanent repair is made, with the section over the bridge running at 40mph.

A permanent repair to the barrier will be made as soon as possible.

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