DELAYS on Redbridge Causeway are set to last for 11 weeks, the council has confirmed.

Hampshire County Council has apologised to motorists for delays of up to 75 minutes during rush hour.

The work to refurbish the bridge is costing £25 million.

The council has confirmed that the work is not due to the southern footway being deemed unsafe.

READ MORE: Faulty materials causing four weeks of traffic misery on Redbridge Causeway

The southbound lane has been closed to keep traffic off the south side of Redbridge Road Bridge while repairs are carried out directly beneath it.

They say the work is expected to last for 11 weeks.

A spokesperson for Hampshire County Council, said: “We apologise to those travelling in the area around Redbridge Causeway for the inconvenience caused by the latest necessary lane closure.

"This latest closure is not due to the pre-Christmas removal of parapet panels that did not meet the required standards and had to be returned to the manufacturer.

"The current lane closure is needed to keep traffic off the south side of Redbridge Road Bridge while repairs are carried out directly beneath the bridge.

"It is essential that the traffic lane remains empty 24/7 while the structural elements supporting it are worked on.

"Weather permitting, we expect this phase of work to take a maximum of 11 weeks.

“We would like to thank road users for their patience and understanding while we complete the final stages of our £25 million refurbishment of the 60-year-old Redbridge Causeway, which will keep the bridges serviceable for at least another 30 years.

"Daily, these structures carry around 60,000 vehicles in and out of Southampton over Test Lane, the railway and the River Test.

"Much of the work on this complex engineering scheme is taking place behind the concrete crash barrier and beneath the bridges which is why those using the A35 are unlikely to be able to see much if any of the engineering activity that is taking place.”

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