IMPROVEMENTS to tackle a major motorway bottleneck have been pushed back by more than a year after Highways bosses admitted they cannot stick to their schedule.

Junction 9 of the M3 at Winnall was set to undergo a £100m road upgrade scheme where the M3 joins the A34 and A272 in March 2020, but now Highways England has said will be pushed back to pushed back until mid-2021, a delay of up to 15 months.

In response to the delay, Winchester MP Steve Brine said he will be having a "top level meeting" about the project next week and added: "It has to be right that it’s done properly and Highways England spend tax-payers hard earned cash wisely."

Alongside the M3 project, major scheme to turn the M27 into a smart motorway and improve the A31 at Ringwood have also been pushed back.

Highways England said the delays were to ensure that there were not too many road projects happening at the same time.

A spokesperson added: “We have rescheduled the timing of some of these road improvements so motorists using motorways and major roads face the fewest possible delays.

“This will keep our roads moving and deliver a lasting legacy for the country.”

However, Jack Cousens, head of road safety policy at the AA, condemned the delays. He said: “The news will be devastating to drivers who use these roads on a daily basis.

“After suffering months, if not years, of congestion at these hotspots they have had the hope of relief snatched away from, at least for the time being.”

“We know that budgets are tight, but the efficiency improvements would assist the economy and help tackle air quality.”

Catherine Turness, executive director of the Winchester Business Improvement District, added: "I think businesses, especially in Winnall will be disappointed to hear of the push back as it's a major trunk road for their operations and of course a vital link to the rest of the A34 and M3."

Councillor Rob Humby, Hampshire County Council’s transport chief, said: “The motorway network in the south is almost at capacity, and while a delay in delivery could see rising costs, it does provide an opportunity for the scheme to evolve over time, so that an even better solution can be provided.”