DETAILS of the traffic chaos that unfolded as repair work began yesterday on one of Southampton’s main traffic routes will be at the centre of an inquiry.
Drivers endured delays of up to an hour to get over Northam Bridge as 20 weeks of waterproofing works began, prompting opposition councillors to accuse council chiefs of having the plans “rushed through”.
Motorists reported jams lasting 45 minutes in the morning, while last night fed up drivers were stuck as far back as Six Dials as they tried to leave the city.
One described the gridlock as “horrendous” while others called for the tolls on Itchen Bridge to be scrapped in a bid to ease the traffic build-up.
Southampton City Council says that the works, funded through Government cash, are vital to repair and maintain one of the main routes into the city centre.
Cllr Jeremy Moulton, deputy leader of the city council’s Conservative opposition, has called in the matter for a scrutiny committee hearing.
He suggested that contractors could work longer hours to get the work done quicker.
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