MOTORISTS can expect delays as major roadworks begin on two of Southampton's busiest flyovers tomorrow night.

The essential maintenance works to improve Redbridge and Millbrook flyovers are scheduled to last ten weeks.

The lions' share of the work will be carried out overnight - with each flyover will be worked on separately to reduce delays.

Restrictions will be minimised during the daytime and be lifted on days when many cruise ships are in calling into the city.

Lane closures will operate from 8pm-6am over the period while construction teams refurbish drainage and apply protective waterproof coating to shield the bridges from the elements from years to come.

Full closure of the outbound carriageway of the Millbrook flyover will take place over four nights at the end of August to allow safe replacement of drainage channels across the carriageway.

There will be some restrictions on slip-roads during the day, but the majority of daytime works will take place away from traffic.

Transport chiefs have scheduled the work due to traffic levels being traditionally lower during the summer.

It is being delivered by Capita as part of a wider Southampton City Council scheme to manage transport pinch points across the city.

The authority has secured £2.4m from the Department of Transport this year which must be spent by March next year.

Waterproofing works are taking place on Central Bridge, with work scheduled for Northam River Bridge.

Improvements to the Western Approach Rail Bridge were completed earlier this year.

Cllr Jacqui Rayment, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transports said: “Key to all the current major highway work is the need to improve and enhance transport links into and around Southampton, which will support the future economic growth of our city.

“This is part of essential work to preserve important bridges and structures that brings thousands of drivers and goods vehicles into the city and the port every day.

“It is vital that we maintain these vital routes into Southampton city centre, for residents, businesses, workers and visitors.”