MOTORISTS are being warned to brace themselves for a month of disruption as major works begin on a busy Southampton road.

Engineers will start work on Bitterne Road East on Monday as part of a project to upgrade gas mains in the area.

Gas distribution firm SGN says it needs to carry out the work to replace old metal pipes with new plastic ones.

The works will mean part of Bitterne Road East and other roads in the surrounding area will be partially closed for several weeks.

Work begins on Monday at the junction of Bitterne Road East with Commercial Street.

Three-way temporary traffic lights will be in place at the site, which will be manually controlled at peak times to ease congestion.

The pedestrian crossing at the site will be closed as it falls within the area engineers will be working on, and signs will point pedestrians wanting to cross the road in the direction of the subway near Maybray King Way.

That part of the work is expected to last for about a week and a half, and engineers will then move on to the junction of Bitterne Road East and Bath Road.

Bitterne Road East’s westbound lane for traffic turning into Bath Road will be closed entirely. A signed diversion will be in place via Bitterne Road East, Upper Deacon Road and Bursledon Road.

There may be some fresh disruption to motorists on the road with council contractors carrying out resurfacing works after the gas works are completed.

The last phase of the gas engineering project will then see works carried out in Keynsham Road.

Engineers will work on the sites between 7.30am and 4.30pm, five days a week, as well as extended hours and weekends when required.

SGN says it will “try to minimise noisy activities where possible”.

Team manager Stephen Riggs said: “We understand that roadworks can be frustrating and would like to thank everyone for their patience while we complete our essential upgrade work.

"The new plastic polyethylene pipe has a minimum lifespan of around 80 years and will ensure a safe and reliable gas supply for the local community for many years to come."

“This is a complex engineering project but we always aim to minimise disruption whenever possible. I would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience which may be caused.”