WORK on a £600,000 scheme to repair Bursledon Bridge - which carries the A27 over the River Hamble - is due to start this month.

The major project will be carried out in two phases to minimise disruption to river traffic.

Phase One begins on April 28 and is due to last about 26 weeks with a second six-week phase taking place in December.

Concrete Repairs Ltd will be carrying out the mammoth task to replace defective concrete. All the work will be taking place on the elevations and underside of the bridge.

A Hampshire County Council spokesman said the road over the bridge would not generally be affected by the repairs - although some temporary off-peak lane closures would be required for the safe delivery and removal of plant and materials such as scaffolding.

Besides replacing concrete, the scheme includes measures to improve the long-term durability of the structure, including wrapping the columns in carbon fibre and applying an anti-carbonation coating.

Hampshire's executive member for the environment Councillor Keith Estlin said: "Bursledon Bridge was built in the 1930s and is now in need of repair.

"The A27 is a very busy road of great importance to the local community and non-motorway traffic.

"More than 70 years of traffic has taken its toll, so it's vital that these works are carried out in order to prolong its life."

He added: "With all the work taking place off-road, disruption for drivers should be kept to a minimum, but people should be aware the work is taking place and allow a little extra time for their road journeys."

The central navigation channel of the river will remain open during Phase One, but will only be open for one hour a day during Phase Two.

Detailed discussions have been held with businesses upstream of the bridge to assess ways to minimise the impact on trade.