DRIVERS are facing weeks of traffic chaos when multi-million pound works begin on a bridge crossing a Hampshire motorway.

Thousands of motorists will be affected when safety work starts later this week on the structurally weak bridge which crosses the M27.

Utility cables will be diverted as part of a major scheme to replace the A3057 Romsey Road bridge which will see it closed from 10pm on Friday, July 22 until 6am on Monday, July 25.

The closure will be between the Romsey Golf Club roundabout and Paulette Lacave Avenue.

A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A27 Botley Road through North Baddesley and Chilworth, Bassett Avenue, Winchester Road and Romsey Road.

A spokesman for Highways England, which is overseeing the project, said only villagers and businesses in Nursling and Rownhams will have access.

Meanwhile lorries are blocked from using the 72-metre long bridge while narrow lanes are in place for the next six weeks.

Highways England added that 9,400 vehicles – including as many as 375 HGVs – travel along it daily.

The weight limit will not affect vehicles such as buses, bin lorries or the emergency services.

The 42-year-old bridge, which crosses the M27 east of junction three, is part of the A3057 and forms one of the major arteries from Southampton into Romsey.

In 2018 work will begin to replace the bridge.

The Daily Echo understands there are plans to reduce the width of the bridge by half.

Contractors Kier will be carrying out the work but it is not known what the final design will look like.

Work will only begin once funding has become available.

No specific estimate on how much the project will cost has been given by Highways England, who are leading the project, but it is expected to be more than £5 million.

A spokesman for Highways England said: “We are monitoring the bridge and have found it is nearing the end of its usable life. We will introduce a reduced weight limit of 26 tonnes over the bridge as a precautionary measure to help ensure that the bridge can remain safe and open for traffic until it is replaced.

“We are planning the work in advance so that there is as little disruption to drivers and local residents as possible. We are working closely with the local community to ensure they are kept informed throughout.

“The scheme will ultimately deliver a brand new bridge which will ensure the network is robust for many years to come.”