ROADWORKS on a major route out of Southampton were causing traffic gridlock this afternoon.

Lane closures on the A33 Millbrook Road West out of Southampton caused long traffic jams to as far back as Town Quay.

Some motorists reported being trapped in the congestion for an hour and complained there appeared to be no workmen doing anything.

Council contractors are carrying out “essential safety works” to replace a length of damaged central crash barrier in Millbrook.

The council insists it cannot wait any longer to carry out the works without placing motorists’ safety at risk and faces a race against time to get them done before the Olympic Torch arrives next Saturday.

The council’s transport boss councillor Asa Thorpe this week apologised for the inconvenience caused by the rush hour delays and admitted that motorists should have been given better warning of the lane closures.

A council spokesman said its contractor Balfour Beatty was now working extended hours seven days a week but added when fresh concrete is drying there will be periods when workmen will not always be visible on site.

He added: “Due to the heavy machinery that’s needed to carry out some of the activities, the outbound carriageway will be reduced to a single lane during the middle part of Friday and Saturday.”