Hampshire County Council has revealed why the closure to the A334 Charles Watts Way has been extended for three months.

As reported in the Echo on Wednesday, the road works on Charles Watts Way have been extended after the initial end date in mid-February was extended. 

Back in November 2023, the council said that a landslip at the side of the major Hedge End road meant that urgent repair works needed to be carried out to prevent it from becoming worse.

From November 27, a one-way closure along the road from Kanes Hill roundabout to the M27 Junction 7 has been in place – and many Southampton motorists have felt its impact.

This was due to last 14 weeks, with the closure supposedly ending around mid-February, until it was extended until June.

A spokesperson for Hampshire County Council said: "Work to repair the landslip on the embankment at A334 Charles Watts Way has made significant progress.

"However, during the ongoing soil stabilisation work, we have found that the damage to the embankment is more severe than originally identified, requiring 50 per cent more material than estimated.

"In addition, the work is largely dependent on drier conditions and as a consequence of recent inclement weather, progress has been disrupted.

"The eastbound lane closure is now expected to remain in place until early to mid-June whilst we complete the repairs.

"We apologise for the ongoing disruption that this is causing road users."

Due to the eastbound lane closure, a diversion route through Kanes Hill A27 to Junction 8 of the M27, with a separate diversion route for non-motorway traffic, has been in place.