National Highways has confirmed the design stage of much-delayed M27 resurfacing works is now complete with the project is on track to go ahead in 2024.

It comes after more than two years of delays to resurface the stretch between junctions 5 and 7 - with residents long campaigning for the work saying the road is 'unbelievably noisy'.

The works were initially due to go ahead this spring but the scheme was hit by delay. Extra drainage work was said to be 'unavoidable'.

The project was further delayed after amid a ballooning in cost from £50m to £82m.

People in the nearby areas of West End and Hedge End have long said the noise has stopped them from sleeping.

The roadworks will replace the noisy concrete, which has many potholes, with a low-noise asphalt to reduce noise.

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Richard Scrase, Programme Delivery Manager for National Highways, said: “The design stage has now been completed and we are in the final stages of commercial discussions ahead of the expected start of the project early next year.

“We are looking forward to delivering this much-needed project which will reduce noise for nearby communities, ensure a smoother ride for road users and extend the life of this vital road.”

Eastleigh MP Paul Holmes has been fighting to get the noise sorted for residents since taking up his seat in 2019.

He said: “I’m delighted that following my successful campaign this project is going ahead.

“I’ve always believed we must secure this project to ease the noise and inconvenience of residents in Hedge End and West End."

The Eastleigh MP said disruption should be "minimal" with only one lane of the motorway being closed at a time.

Councillors at Eastleigh Borough Council have previously hit out at delays - saying that funding was secured back in 2014.