MOTORISTS in Hampshire are bracing themselves for more traffic issues next year as roads bosses begin delivering a new section of smart motorway on the M3.

Highways England are investing £139million in the scheme to convert both the north and southbound carriageways between junction nine and 14 - but why are they doing this and what can it achieve?

M3 smart motorway project detailed

Map showing existing smart motorways and projects in Hampshire

Difference between all lane running and traditional motorway with hard-shoulder

Hampshire Chronicle: All lane running on a smart motorway as planned for the M3 between junction 9 and 14 and, lower image, the current road layout on the stretch with a hard-shoulder on the leftAll lane running on a smart motorway as planned for the M3 between junction 9 and 14 and, lower image, the current road layout on the stretch with a hard-shoulder on the left