WORK to resurface one of Southampton’s busiest roads for the first time in 16 years is almost complete, say city transport chiefs.

The Bassett Avenue was originally scheduled to be closed again tonight, while engineers continued their two month project to repair the road between Chilworth Road about and Winchester Road.

But city transport bosses say the £1 million scheme is now almost complete.

With just minor works left to finish at the Chilworth Roundabout tonight, engineers say the road can stay open tonight, with just a single lane closure.

Mike Harris, Service Director for Growth at Southampton City Council, said: “The essential construction and resurfacing works on Bassett Avenue are now complete on schedule despite the snow and adverse weather conditions of recent weeks.

“I would like to extend our thanks to road users for their patience and understanding while we carried out this major improvement project.”

Initial work began in February, when engineers shut off the road to all city-bound traffic.

This allowed them to carry out “vital” repair work to the road’s damaged drainage system.

The work was completed ahead of schedule, on March 9.

Engineers then moved onto resurfacing the road – for the first time in 16 years.

The road was closed in both directions overnight to allow them to carry out the work.

Anti-skid surfacing still needs to be applied at certain locations, once the new surface has bedded in.

These works are planned for early May and will require three or four overnight closures.

Council transport chiefs say more details will be provided nearer to the time.