MOTORISTS face 40 weeks of traffic misery as repairs get under way on a busy Southampton city centre road today.

Only one carriageway of London Road will remain open throughout the work.

Southern Gas Networks were today due to begin work to replace a gas main under the southbound carriageway.

The work is expected to last around five weeks.

Afterwards, on May 21, Southampton City Council will start a programme of improvement works as part of a £41m project to improve the city's streets.

In London Road this will include widening pavements at key points and at junctions to lower traffic speeds.

Traffic bosses also hope to make the road safer for cyclists and pedestrians with more crossings.

They hope the improvements will bring a cosmopolitan feel to the area with outdoor café terraces and seating.

Vijay Manro, traffic manager for Southampton City Council, apologised for any inconvenience the works would cause.

He said: "This scheme is really important for increasing road safety along London Road for pedestrians and cyclists "It will also give London Road a high quality continental feel, encouraging visitors and residents to visit local shops and businesses."

While the southbound lane is closed diversions will be in place. Any traffic wishing to enter the city via the Avenue should use the dual carriageway to Charlotte Place roundabout.

After the work is completed the southbound carriageway will be reopened and the northbound carriageway will be closed.

Minor paving works will also be carried out in Cumberland Place, between Bedford Place and Brunswick Place.

The latest work comes after council leaders made a temporary left turn from London Road into Brunswick Place in Southampton permanent earlier this month.

The decision is intended to reduce traffic using London Road ahead of the improvement scheme.