MOTORISTS have been warned that the busy western slip road on Redbridge Roundabout will remain closed until at least tomorrow.

Emergency gas works are being conducted by SGN after a major gas pipe was damaged last night.

Now it is said that the busy road will re-open in the early hours of tomorrow morning, but it will be restricted to one lane only for a further 24 hours so delays are likely.

This comes after firefighters from Redbridge and Totton were alerted the incident at 10.06pm last night after contractors went through a gas main at the Redbridge Roundabout western slip road, where the M271 and A35 meet.

Hampshire police were also called to the broken pipe at 9.42pm.

The repairs have caused delays to build in Millbrook Road West, where traffic is heading outbound, and at the Totton Bypass where motorists are heading inbound.

Drivers are being urged to plan their journey after being alerted at 7.18am to the closed slip road; a signed diversion is in place.

Firefighters left the scene at 1.48am this morning after checking "everything was safe" before handing work over to Southern Gas Network, according to a spokesperson from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.

A spokesperson from Hampshire police said: "We were called at 9.42pm following damage to a gas main.

"The incident is now being dealt with by the gas company and Highways."

A spokesperson from Southern Gas Network said: "We're carrying out emergency repairs in the M271 Redbridge Road, Southampton following third party damage to our gas network.

"The westbound slip road was closed overnight by Highways England for scheduled maintenance work.

"It will remain closed into Wednesday 5 February as we work to complete our repair."

South Central Ambulance has been contacted for comment.