COMMUTERS face a year of misery when a century-old bridge linking the east of Southampton with the city centre is shut for safety repairs.

A project to refurbish and strengthen the creaking Central Bridge, which carries the A3025 over the railway, will start on Monday.

Motorists travelling into the city from the Itchen toll bridge will be diverted into Endle Street then Chapel Road to the north and Canute Road to the south.

One of the two footpaths across the bridge will remain open to pedestrians during the works by Network Rail.

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The Grade II listed bridge, which was built in the 1880s, spans the area which used to be occupied by sidings on the approach to the old Southampton Terminus station.

Network Rail is carrying out upgrades to the steelwork, support structure and brickwork.

Drainage and waterproofing will also be improved.

Richard O’Brien, Network Rail’s route director, said: “This bridge has served the roads and railways well for over 100 years, but needs refurbishing now in order to continue doing so.

“It’s a complex job which will require us to strip the bridge down to the bare bones in order to carry out the renovation. We have worked closely with the council to minimise disruption for the public and thank people in advance for their patience while we carry out this work.”

Councillor Matt Dean, Cabinet member for transport, added: “Southampton City Council will do everything it can to minimise the impact of these works.”

The work will not affect freight train services travelling under the bridge.