SOUTHAMPTON motorists can expect to face traffic chaos until March due to two major road projects.

The city council will start “essential maintenance” at Chilworth Roundabout this month.

Meanwhile, work to provide new cycle facilities on The Avenue between Lodge Road and Banister Road will restart following a Christmas break.

The £800,000 Chilworth scheme, includes resurfacing, kerbing and updates to the roundabout’s drainage and is expected to be finished by March.

A new bus shelter and improved kerb alignment will allow buses to pull in closer to the stop on the roundabout.

The shared-use footway and cycleway between the northern end of Bassett Avenue and Chilworth Road will be revamped connecting the SCN5 Northern Cycle Corridor and the new cycleway being developed by Hampshire County Council on Hut Hill to Bournemouth Road.

The work will be done over four phases, with different lane closures in place on the roundabout throughout each of these periods.

It is hoped it will improve safety for cyclists travelling between Southampton city centre and Chandler’s Ford.

On The Avenue, between Lodge Road and the junction with Banister Road, the council is upgrading traffic signals to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.

Banister Road is currently closed.

And, from January 20 at Lodge Road the council will be upgrading traffic signals as well as resurfacing sections of the footway, extending the shared cycleway and footway, and creating a new toucan crossing at the junction.

This work is expected to take up to eight weeks.

Full details on the scheme can be found on the council’s transport website.

Cllr Jacqui Rayment, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place and Transport, says: “Our essential maintenance work at Chilworth Roundabout will ensure this major route into and out of Southampton is fit for the future.

“In line with our Local Transport Plan, the scheme also makes an important investment in sustainable transport infrastructure. This remains a key area of focus as we continue to deliver our long-term plans to reduce congestion, improve air quality and boost economic growth across Southampton.

“Please prepare for delays and plan ahead as we undertake this work, during which we will, of course, be doing all we can to minimise disruption.”