Warnings over more city centre traffic problems (From Daily Echo)

Warnings over more Southampton city centre traffic problems

8:00am Saturday 7th July 2012 in News

MORE traffic chaos is expected today as roadworks on a major route out of Southampton continued.

Lane closures on the A33 Millbrook Road West were set to hit drivers again.

Yesterday, motorists were caught in long traffic jams from the Millbrook flyover back as far back as Town Quay.

Some motorists reported being trapped in the congestion for an hour, and complained no workmen appeared to be 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, apologised earlier this week for the inconvenience caused by the rush-hour delays, and admitted 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 that, when fresh concrete is drying, there will be periods when workmen will not always be visible on site.

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