MOTORISTS face three months of misery on the roads in Totton town centre as major roadworks get under way.

Work starts today on a £350,000 plan to upgrade Rumbridge Street, which will be closed to through traffic for the next 12 weeks.

Drivers who use the route to reach the main shopping area will have to take long detours while contractors complete the environmental enhancement scheme.

The diversions are likely to increase congestion on other town centre routes, including Junction Road and Ringwood Road.

Truckers will also be hit by the work, which will result in the temporary closure of the lorry park at the southern end of Rumbridge Street.

The Hampshire County Council scheme comprises a number of measures aimed at making the area, which has become rundown in recent years, more attractive to shoppers and other pedestrians.

One of its main aims is to cut the amount of traffic using Rumbridge Street by five per cent.

Highways bosses are also determined to prevent drivers flouting the 30mph speed limit as they come off the A35 and head for the town centre.

Improvements will be carried out along the entire length of Rumbridge Street, but the work starting today will focus on the southern end of the road.

The scheme will include traffic calming measures, wider pavements and a gateway entrance from the A35.

During the work access will be maintained to homes, shops and a public car park - but Rumbridge Street will be closed to through traffic.

Jonathan Glen, the county council's executive member for environment, said: "We've carried out extensive consultation with the local community to keep them informed.

"There will of course be some disruption while the contractor is on site, but I'm confident the end result will be worth the wait."

Totton county councillor Edith Randall stressed that the work could take less than three months.

Long-term plans for Rumbridge Street include the closure of the lorry park, which the county council says is a blot on the landscape.