MOTORISTS are set to face months of traffic misery as works to transform two busy roundabouts in Southampton will start in October this year, following delays.

Highway bosses have announced that the £8.3 million works to renovate Millbrook roundabout will start on October 1 and will be followed by works on Redbridge roundabout.

Drivers have been warned of significant delays at peak times and are advised to plan their journeys in advance as the plans will see roadworks and diversions in place until spring 2020.

But while highway bosses said they are making any effort to minimise disruptions, opposition councillors said the works will create chaos in the city and will have a huge impact on local residents.

As part of the scheme the entire Millbrook roundabout will be reconstructed to a depth of over one metre and completely resurfaced by April 2019.

A new two way cycle route will be also put in place at the site, along with new drainage and kerbing.

Cllr Jacqui Rayment, cabinet member for environment and transport at Southampton City Council, said: “Millbrook Roundabout is a road of national and local significance. We must act now in order to ensure it is fit for the future.

“Please bear with us while we complete these vital works. Closures and diversions will be signposted clearly nearer to the time and we will be providing detailed information ahead of and throughout the works.”

But Southampton Independents councillor Andrew Pope hit out at the authority and said the works will create chaos.

He added: “When we had roadworks in the past it was chaos. There’s no evidence there will be any difference now. There has been a lack of planning and traffic management. Why must Millbrook and Redbridge suffer again for yet more works that should have been better co-ordinated with the previous works?It just seems never-ending.We’ll have complaints again.”

Southampton City Council said it has co-ordinated with Highways England to avoid conflicting with the delivery of their proposed improvement works at Redbridge roundabout.

The works were set to start in spring 2018 and completed by autumn this year but will now start in May 2019.

Joe Clark, Highways England project manager, said: “Once complete in spring 2020, the improved roundabout will ensure reduced congestion and smoother more reliable journeys, helping to support the local and national economy into the future.”

Redbridge roundabout will have extra lanes added.