Drivers have been warned with major changes to take place to the M27 through the road works next week.

National Highways has reminded motorists that there will be a change to the road layout as improvement works between junctions 5 and 7 continue.

The works are now complete on the eastbound carriageway, and attention has shifted to the westbound carriageway.

Here, a new road surface will be installed, along with better drainage and improved safety barriers.

Safety barriers will be installed during overnight closures to minimise disruption to road users.

READ MORE: M27: Halfway point reached as work moves to the next stage

From bank holiday Monday, for those travelling westbound, make sure you stay left if you want to exit the motorway at junctions 8, 7 and 5, or junction 4 for the M3.

Otherwise, if you’re driving in the contraflow lane, you will need to stay on the M27 until junction 3 and turn back if you have missed your exit.

A National Highways spokesperson said: "Drivers will notice a significant change from 6am on Bank Holiday Monday, May 5, when the westbound contraflow starts. This will allow us to resurface lanes three and four of the westbound carriageway.

"We understand the inconvenience our work may cause, but it will result in a smoother ride for drivers, make the road quieter, improve safety and ensure the road lasts for many years to come."

Richard Scrase, programme delivery manager for National Highways, said: "I would urge motorists to allow more time for their journey on this section of the M27 and be aware that following overnight work at the weekend, there will be changes to the lanes."

Since the work began on the eastbound carriageway in early 2024, more than 10,000 cubic metres of earth has been removed, enough to fill more than 850 tipper trucks.

Some 3,574 metres of drainage pipes have also been repaired, and 704 repairs have been made to the concrete slabs on the carriageway.

Additionally, 43,094 metres of joints between concrete slabs have been repaired, 47,389 tonnes of asphalt have been laid as the new surface, 9,843m of safety barrier have been installed, and 6,229 metres of surface water drainage have been put in place.