National Highways had to close a section of the M3 this week for emergency bridge repairs, thought to be connected to the recent cold snap, which accelerated the deterioration.
The M3 in Hampshire was shut westbound between Junction 12 for Allbrook and Junction 13 for Eastleigh, causing delays of up to an hour.
Scott Munro, engineering team manager at National Highways, said: 'We closed the M3 following damage to a bridge joint to safeguard road users. A specialist team was brought in to remove damaged sections of the bridge joint and carry out temporary repairs allowing the motorway to be safely reopened.
'While we carry out regular, programmed inspections of our bridges, bridge joints are highly susceptible to damage through wear and tear.'
A permanent repair will be carried out once suitably developed, National Highways said.
The last inspection of the bridge took place in November, with no significant defects present on the bridge deck.
Repairing bridge joints, including temporary repairs, requires the mobilisation of specialist teams and bespoke materials.
