INTERIM plans for a busy stretch of Hampshire motorway have been revealed after a major scheme was put on hold.

As previously reported, National Highways had planned to convert part of the M3 into a smart motorway.

But the proposed upgrade, from junction nine at Winchester with the A34 interchange and junction 14 at Southampton on the M3, has been paused.

Instead, the authority looks to equip the motorway with the "best-in-class technology".

Following a Transport Select Committee, a spokesperson said: "On January 12 2022 the Government’s response to the Transport Select Committee’s inquiry into the roll out and safety of smart motorways was published.

"It included a commitment to pause the rollout of future ALR smart motorway schemes until a full 5 years’ worth of safety data is available from upgrades delivered before 2020.

"The M3 junctions 9-14 upgrade is one of the schemes being paused.

"During the pause, we will continue to make sure all existing ALR smart motorways are equipped with best-in-class technology and resources and are as safe as they can possibly be.

"At this location on the M3 we are planning work to upgrade the existing central reservation barrier to concrete, which will deliver standalone safety benefits. We are currently planning this work and will share more information as soon as possible.

"The rest of the upgrade is being paused until five years of safety data is available."

Work to upgrade the M27 as a smart motorway continues.

It is reportedly set to open over the next few weeks with the new scheme in place between Eastleigh and Fareham after almost four years of work between junction 4 and 11.