COMMUTERS face another two months of traffic misery as the third phase of Southampton’s Millbrook Roundabout reconstruction starts next week.

Locals received an early Christmas present as the route was reopened over the festive period, allowing a much-needed respite from the work – which started back in October.

But as we push into 2019, the roundabout will close once again on January 7, with a completion date earmarked for March.

Daily Echo:

So far, the £8.3 million improvement scheme has seen half of the roundabout reconstructed, with a new road surface and updated traffic signals.

Now phase three of the work will require the shutting off the slip-road from Millbrook Road West onto the roundabout, as well as the exit from the roundabout onto First Avenue – which leads to Dock Gate 20.

Millbrook flyover is fully open throughout the work. The final part of the work: phase four, from March to late-April, will see the closure of First Avenue (northbound) up to the roundabout and part of the slip-road onto Redbridge Road up to the junction with Second Avenue.

As reported, city transport boss Councillor Jacqui Rayment said: “I would like to thank road users for their patience as we carry out this vital improvement work.

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“The team are working hard to deliver this work to the highest standards and on time.

“As usual please ensure you allow extra time for your journeys.”

Before Christmas, the second phase, which started on November 10, required a closure of the North Eastern section of the roundabout at its junction with Tebourba Way (southbound) and the slip-road onto Millbrook Road West.

Southampton City Council says the works are important for the future of the junction, as the roundabout is used by more than 30,000 vehicles a day, including 4,000 heavy goods vehicles.

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As reported, city motorists have been hit by the closure, with queues and tailbacks across Southampton, including the M27 and M271.

Council chiefs have vowed to take action if the works continue to cause delays, but added that morning and afternoon delays were “expected”.