A date is finally set for the repair of a landslip which has caused traffic misery for more than eight months.

One lane of St Denys Road has been closed to motorists since December last year.

The collapse of a wall prompted the busy road - on a bridge near the key junction with Thomas Lewis Way – to be partially shut.

But with no work taking place and delays growing, commuters were growing impatient.

Southampton City Council has now confirmed works are due to begin at the start of October.

A spokesperson said: “Progress [has been] made between parties to be able to target a works start date of early October.

“This has become possible through further detailed site assessments which have now locked in a safe method of working in the proximity of high voltage mains and other complex hazards.

“The intention remains to reduce the works duration as far as possible, with an autumn start allowing for the potential to complete the scheme before Christmas.”

The landslip in St Denys Road, SouthamptonThe landslip in St Denys Road, Southampton (Image: Newsquest)

The council is working alongside with Balfour Beatty, Network Rail and SSEN to repair the affected wall.

The wall remains in a “safe but unstable” position.

“It requires comprehensive rebuilding and very regular safety inspections”, the council said.

The spokesperson added that several challenges caused a delay to the works.

This included developing safe working methods on a site that is next to high and low voltage mains, considering the effect works may have on other traffic restrictions in the city, and confirming the exact position of underground services.

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Southampton City Council has come under fire by residents for the lack of progress.

Carole Dennis, 54, described the lane closure as “hell on Earth” and said the delays could be the difference between life or death.

Katherine Barbour, Green councillor for Portswood, previously told the Echo: ““Residents in St Denys are exasperated at the length of delay in resolving this issue.

“Coming so soon after roadworks by Thomas Lewis Way residents were hoping for some free flow of traffic.

“Instead, the bridge collapse has led to long delays at peak times and getting into and out of St Denys has become very difficult.

“The city council will be taking on the maintenance contract after this repair is completed.”

The council expects the works to take up to three months.