A MULTI-MILLION-POUND project to improve a major Basingstoke road junction is running two weeks behind schedule.

Contractors working for Hampshire County Council are almost halfway through a planned 30-week run of engineering works at the A33 Ringway interchange and Popley Way.

When completed, the £3.7million scheme will result in traffic lights being introduced on all six arms of the roundabout, carriageway widening, the creation of a new bus lane and cycle route in the area, and the alteration of the junction of the A33 and Popley Way.

Work is also currently being carried out to make a number of improvements to Faraday Road, which leads from the roundabout to the Daneshill industrial area, resulting in the road being closed for five weeks.

Work at the site began last October and is due to end in mid-May - but it is currently running a fortnight behind schedule.

Councillor Mel Kendal, Hampshire County Council's executive member for environment, said: "The junction improvement work being carried out at Reading Road roundabout is two weeks behind schedule due to adverse weather conditions and a burst water main. However, we are keeping within the budget."

Work on the roundabout is being carried out at the same time as two other major road projects.

Thames Water is currently working on a £10million scheme to install a new sewer from Chineham Lane to Lychpit, while Scottish and Southern Energy is carrying out a £30million electricity upgrade in the area.

Barry Blackhall, of Glebe Lane, Worting, has been caught in lengthy jams as a result of these works while taking his son to school in Stratfield Saye. He is unhappy that so much is happening at the same time.

"I can appreciate that roadworks are a necessity, but the level of planning that has gone into the current rash of works is abysmal," said Mr Blackhall. "During the morning and evening rush hours, Basingstoke is at a complete standstill."

When the works were announced, Cllr Kendal explained that while they would cause disruption in the area, each scheme was necessary and could not be delayed. He also said that the three bodies would work together to keep disruption to a minimum.

Commenting on the way traffic is currently flowing through the area, Cllr Kendal said: "We have received a few complaints but, on the whole, delays have been minimal and we are pleased with the way traffic issues have been handled."