EMERGENCY gas works on the Totton Bypass could last until at least Wednesday evening, traffic bosses have warned.

It comes after a gas leak on the A35 yesterday sparked a lane closure of the busy westbound carriageway, near Rushington Roundabout.

Traffic chiefs say gas engineers are working "around the clock" to repair the leak.

Daily Echo: SGN are carrying out emergency gas works at Wroxham Road, Poole (53339812)

But they have warned that the closure could last until at least Wednesday evening.

And they say the work is likely to cause significant delays.

A Hampshire County Council spokesperson said: "Southern Gas Network (SGN) are continuing to work around the clock to repair a gas leak on the A35 in Totton.

"The lane closure will remain in place until at least Wednesday evening to repair and reinstate the carriageway.

"This is likely to cause significant delays, so please plan your journey."

The emergency works comes amid already difficult traffic conditions in the area, due to long-term work on nearby Millbrook Roundabout.

The multi-million-pound project, which started earlier this month, had resulted in long tailbacks on major roads in the area, including the M27 and the M271.

The work is the first phase of the 28-week scheme to revamp the roundabout.

Phase one of the scheme involves the northern side of the roundabout, with drivers unable to use the sliproad off Redbridge Road, the southern end of Wimpson Lane and a short section of the northbound carriageway of Tebourba Way.