SIX months of roadworks will cause likely delays for Southampton motorists as part of a £1.4m investment.

On September 1, roadworks for Chilworth Road, Bournemouth Road and Winchester Road will begin as part of a £1.4 million scheme creating cycleways in Southampton.

The shared used cycleway is along Bournemouth Road and Winchester Road, will be close to Hampshire Corporate Business Park and passes over the M27 motorway to connect with the northern end of The Avenue.

The works are due to go on for six months and a traffic control system will be in place to help with congestion with officials stating that delays are "likely".

But despite the delays, civic chiefs have said that the investment will be "hugely beneficial" to those who live and work in the area.

The main work will be the clearance of vegetation in the area, which will start in September.

The scheme will provide a two kilometre long off-road shared use cycleway and footway along Hut Hill, linking Chandler’s Ford with Chilworth.

Councillor Rob Humby, deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and environment at Hampshire County Council, said: “I was happy to give approval at my recent Decision Day for this £1.4m scheme – one that is benefitting from a significant national grant for these types of initiatives.

"This significant investment in transport infrastructure will be hugely beneficial to those who live and work in the area, improving quality of life and levels of productivity – it is a huge boost to the economic prospects of South Hampshire.

"We know that the existing route is well used by cyclists, with more than 230 journeys a day being made. It is an important link between large residential and employment areas, and provides access to schools, local amenities, and leisure facilities.

"These planned improvements mean that this facility will link to the top of The Avenue in Southampton, enabling more people to leave their cars at home and cycle or walk safely to their places of employment or education, contributing to improved air quality in the area.”