MILLBROOK Roundabout has finally reopened after months of roadworks.

The project to improve the road surface, update traffic signals and increase the road capacity started in October last year, forcing the more than 30,000 drivers that use it every day having to find alternative routes to their destinations.

Southampton City Council says the scheme has been completed ahead of schedule as its completion was planned for late April.

The finished scheme includes a fully reconstructed carriageway around the roundabout as well as new drainage, traffic signals, signage, street lighting and lane markings.

An extra lane has also been added on the south side of the roundabout in a bid to provide additional capacity.

As part of the project new and improved cycle paths have also been created  next to the roundabout to provide better access to Southampton from the west.

Denise Edghill, director of growth at Southampton City Council, said:

“I’m delighted to announce that we are able to fully reopen Millbrook Roundabout ahead of schedule this weekend. Our teams have been working hard every single day over the last few months to deliver the works on time and on budget.

“This project has had an unavoidable impact on road users and residents. We have made every effort throughout to minimise disruption and I would like to thank everyone for their patience while we got on with the rebuilding work.”

The council said there were major stability issues with the foundations of the roundabout which undermined any new surface applied.

The authority said given the importance of this roundabout to the regional and national economy, the rebuilding of the foundations was essential to provide long-term stability for the city’s road network.

Balfour Beatty worked with the council to completed the scheme.

Balfour Beatty contract director Brian Hammersley said: “The scale and depth of the reconstruction, from the start of detailed design through to completion, is testament to the team’s capabilities and expertise in delivering quality infrastructure for our clients. ”