A MAJOR road in Basingstoke will remain closed for three more weeks.

Worting Road has been closed since early September as Network Rail complete essential strengthening works to the railway bridge, which were due to finish this Sunday.

But the works have been delayed and the bridge will remain closed until November 21, according to the Hampshire County Council website one.network.

A letter sent to residents has also warned that much of the works, which will take place between 8am and 10pm, will be noisy.

It says that it will be "replacing sections and reinforcing steel girders on the top of the bridge, using rivet-busters, cutting equipment, pneumatic tools and welders to secure reinforcing steel parts".

It has forced the county council to postpone works scheduled for on Pack Lane near Battledown Bridge, between Kempshott and Oakley, after residents raised concerns it could cut off the village from Basingstoke.

In a letter to residents last month, Network Rail, the body responsible for the upkeep of the country’s railways, said that there is “essential bridge strengthening work” taking place to increase its lifespan.

“The footpath between Worting Road and Roman Road will remain open but there will be security fencing for public safety,” the letter continued.

“We realise the road closure is likely to cause a slower flow of traffic through this area and we’re sorry for delays and inconvenience this essential work causes.”

Acoustic barriers will be set up to reduce noise to neighbours, but residents have been warned about noisy works whilst the railway lines are closed.