WORK gets under way today on a multi-million scheme to save one of the city’s busiest road bridges.

But drivers are being warned of major disruption due to the maintenance work on Redbridge Causeway.

The westbound carriageway, from Redbridge to Totton, will be closed from 8pm Saturday, until 5am on Monday morning.

Drivers will be forced to take a diversion route, using the M271, to get from Southampton to Totton during that time.

As part of the work, Hampshire County Council’s road team will begin replacing joints on the 1960’s bridge, which transport chiefs say is beginning to crumble.

The county council’s executive member for environment and transport, councillor Rob Humby said: “Work is going ahead as scheduled this weekend on the repairs to Redbridge Viaduct; the weather is looking dry so we hope to make a really good start on the work.

“The repairs on this bridge have been carefully planned over a number of months to ensure the least amount of disruption possible.

“This has involved avoiding busy shopping times and co-ordinating work with Southampton City Council and Highways England to avoid any clashes with other road works in the local area.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank people for their patience while we carry out these essential repairs.”

The £1.2 million project, to replace 21 joints on the bridge, is part of a wider £20 million maintenance scheme.

Phase one is scheduled to take place across seven weekends, including this weekend and next weekend.

The final one is planned for March next year.

However, weather permitting, transport bosses say the work could be completed in just three weekends.

The council plans then to start a £7 million project to repair the base of the westbound bridge next summer.

However it is not expected to lead to more road closures.

Hampshire County Council then hope to raise £12 million for further repairs, including to the eastbound carriageway.

Civic chiefs that without the work, the council may be forced to impose weight restriction on the bridge as early as next year.