Drivers are facing delays after a major Southampton road closed today.

Essential sewer works are set to began this morning, closing Burgess Road between Butterfield Road and Hill Lane for two weeks.

Residents and council members have voiced their concerns about traffic building on alternative routes.

Southampton City Councillor and Sherriff, Les Harris, who represents the Bassett ward, said the closure would bring passing roads to a standstill at peak times.

He said: “It’s a major road into the city.

“They are very busy roads and they only get busier and busier in peak times, it might bring it to a standstill.

“I wouldn’t agree that there will be plenty of diversion points as it will be a long way around to get where you need to go, but I presume they will have routes in place.”

The road closure will also affect care home Sunrise of Bassett, with staff saying their residents will have to pay more for travel to go around the diversion.

Julie McDonnell, office manager at the home said: “It will be a massive inconvenience to everybody that uses the road.

“The residents tend to walk, but if they do have to get the other side of the diversion, it will be an extra cost in taxi fare.

“If they are putting footpaths in place, it could cause a hazard to our residents with ramps down the road too.”

A statement from Southern Water said: “Our work will begin to repair a collapsed sewer in Burgess Road, Southampton on April 8.

“A road closure and diversion route will be in place to allow us to carry out the work as quickly and safely as possible.

“We are sorry for any inconvenience and thank road users for their patience.”