MOTORISTS are facing six weeks of hold-ups from today after the closure of one of the main routes into Southampton.

People travelling into the city from the east can expect delays and disruption after highways chiefs shut the busy westbound A3024.

The city-bound carriageway of Bursledon Road will be closed between Windhover roundabout and the B3033 Botley Road until the middle of November, while maintenance workers improve the drainage system and footpath.

The work will involve installing 360-metres of kerbing, drainage gullies and associated pipe work.

The closure has been enforced in consultation with Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and Hampshire Ambulance Service, which both have bases in the nearby Hightown area of the city.

Shop Lane will also be closed to through traffic, from the junction with the A3025 Portsmouth Road to the junction with the B3033 Botley Road, to stop drivers using it as an alternative route.

Diversion signs have been put in place, taking motorists along the A27 West End Road to Kanes Hill, on to the A334 Thornhill Park Road and then Bitterne Road East. Drivers can then turn left to rejoin Bursledon Road.

The work is being done by contractors for Hampshire County Council.

The county's roads boss, executive member for environment Councillor Mel Kendal, said: "The decision to close the A3024 from Monday to westbound traffic for the duration of the works was made following consultation with the emergency services and Southampton City Council.

"The closure is principally to ensure the safety of the workers and pedestrians.

"Closing the road will allow the provision of a pedestrian walkway separated from the eastbound traffic by steel barriers and will also provide a working area for the gully and kerb construction.

"Diversion routes for motorists have been clearly signed. Although there won't be an enormous change visually, the newly installed piped drainage system and kerbing will help prevent flooding and improve pedestrian safety along this busy footpath.

"There will undoubtedly be delays to journey times as a result of these works so I urge drivers to allow extra time for travel.

"We apologise for the inconvenience but the end result will mean considerable improvements for all users of this route."

Taxi drivers who regularly use the route have warned that the closure will have a huge impact.

Perry McMillan, chairman of the Transport and General Workers Union cab section in Southampton, said: "That particular road is right where I live and is a main road linking to the airport and to Tesco."

Barry Niasby, manager of West End-based taxi firm Fleet Cabs, added: "It will definitely make journeys slower."