Major warning over rush-hour traffic jams (From Daily Echo)

Major warning over rush-hour traffic jams

6:05am Monday 11th February 2013 in News

TRAFFIC jams on one of Southampton’s busiest roads were set to resume today after roadworks were halted amid fears about damaging gas pipes.

Roadworks on the Millbrook Road West and Regents Park Road junction were suspended last Friday after nearly three weeks when engineers realised they had to go back to the drawing board.

The upgrade is to allow better access to the planned Costso cash and carry store, which is set to create 250 jobs on part of the British and American Tobacco site in Millbrook.

A Southampton City Council spokesman said: “The initial excavations also identified a design conflict between the gas main and the proposed kerb line and further site investigations and discussions with the gas utility company had to take place.

“Recognising that this is one of the busiest roads in the city, temporary repairs were carried out to the carriageway and verge in order that the traffic management could be removed and all lanes reopened.

“Initially ground works commenced and the kerb line was removed but shortly afterwards it was identified that work to the gas main was required and the roadworks had to be suspended.

“The lane closure had to remain in place to enable the gas utility company to safely carry out repairs.

“The works should considerably improve this important junction and ensure that the anticipated increased traffic caused by the development does not result in additional congestion.”

The work, which will be completed by Monday, February 25, to widen the right hand turn will take place at night because it requires a two-lane closure. One lane will be closed by day.