MOTORISTS are being warned that they will face months of traffic misery as a busy Southampton bridge will be closed for six months starting on Monday.

Central Bridge will be closed for 24 weeks for repairs after Southampton City Council secured Government cash to carry them out.

Without the work, say council transport chiefs, the 130-year-old bridge is likely to deteriorate.

The bridge which is next to the Itchen Bridge and Terminus Terrace, will have work carried out by Balfour Beatty to replace a failing waterproof layer.

The repairs will cost nearly £1.7m.