MOTORISTS have been warned of road closures as the next phase of works on Redbridge Causeway gets underway. 

The £25 million scheme to refurbish the bridges, which are 50 to 90 years old, is said to be "progressing well" and will move into the next phase in April. 

The works have been criticised by residents for causing delays of up to 90 minutes during rush hour.

However, a Hampshire councillor explained they are essential for everyone's safety and will extend the life of the causeway by 60 years.

READ MORE: Redbridge Causeway closure is down to 'concrete cancer'

Lasting until July, the next phase will see concrete covers installed and new waterproofing coating added to the north footway.

The waterproofing and carriageway surfacing will also be completely replaced on the decks of all three bridges supporting the eastbound carriageway.

Upcoming closures

A series of footway, lane and full road closures are set to be put in place in to reduce the risk to those using the route. 

From mid-April to mid-June, the left-hand lane of the eastbound A35 carriageway will be closed from the Totton on-slip to the start of the off-slip to Redbridge Roundabout. 

The north footway of the causeway will be closed 24/7 and a diversion for pedestrians and cyclists will be in place via the south footway. 

From mid-June to mid-July the right-hand lane of the eastbound A35 carriageway will be closed from the approach to the Totton on-slip until the start of the off-slip to Redbridge Roundabout.

The Totton on-slip and the off-slip to Redbridge Roundabout will remain open along with the Redbridge Causeway south footway.

During weekends in June and July a full closure of the A35 eastbound will be required on 'up to' three weekends from 8pm on Friday until 6am on Monday.

During the weekend closures the Totton on-slip and the off-slip to Redbridge Roundabout will be closed. 

What has the council said?

Councillor Nick Adams-King, Executive Lead Member for Universal Services, said: "I know that those living, working and travelling through the area have already been inconvenienced at times by the traffic management measures we’ve had to implement but this is unavoidable, and I apologise for the disruption.

"However, it’s important to understand that this is a substantial and complex scheme to carefully remove or repair defective concrete sections and the traffic arrangements to date have been essential for the engineers to be able to complete the work safely while keeping the route open, albeit partially at times.

"I’m fully aware that there are some who perceive there to be very little work being carried out and few people working on the scheme, but I can assure them that this is far from the case.

"Much of the work has been taking place behind the concrete crash barriers and beneath the bridges on scaffolding over the river,  which is why those travelling in the area are unable to see much, if any, of the engineering activity that is taking place."