COUNCIL chiefs have vowed to take action if a major road repair project in Southampton continues to cause traffic chaos across the city.

The start of a multi-million-pound project to refurbish the Millbrook Roundabout resulted in long tailbacks on major roads in the area, including the M27 and the M271.

More delays are expected today as work continues on the first phase of the 28-week scheme.

READ: Huge delays on the M271 due to work on Millbrook Roundabout

It comes after roads in Southampton, Romsey and North Baddesley were brought to a standstill over the weekend as the M27 was closed between junctions 3 and 5 to allow engineers to rebuild the Romsey Road bridge.

The motorway, which was expected to remain closed until 5am yesterday, was re-opened 16 hours earlier.

But residents blamed part of the traffic chaos on HGVs and are urging highway bosses to look at the diversion routes again ahead of more motorway closures planned for next year.

Yesterday the start of work on the Millbrook Roundabout resulted in rush-hour gridlock.

Phase one of the scheme involves the northern side of the roundabout, with drivers unable to use the sliproad off Redbridge Road, the southern end of Wimpson Lane and a short section of the northbound carriageway of Tebourba Way.

Long queues built up on the M27, the M271 and adjoining roads as motorists struggled to enter the city.

One of the worst affected routes was the westbound carriageway of the M27, with drivers advised to cut their speed to 40mph as they approached junction 3.

Queues in the inside lane stretched back to Rownhams services - and motorists faced more delays once they joined the M271.

Last night a city council spokesman said: “As expected there have been some localised delays during the morning peak which cleared up quickly.

“We are continually monitoring the road network and will make changes to traffic management where necessary.”

Millbrook Roundabout is used by more than 30,000 vehicles a day.

Daily Echo:

A statement on the city council’s website says: “Given the importance of this roundabout, the rebuilding of the foundations is essential to provide long-term

stability for the city’s road network.

“The scale of the work required is substantial and involves the complete removal and rebuilding of the roundabout’s foundations down to over a metre in depth.”

Millbrook Flyover will remain open in both directions throughout the project.

VIDEO: We took the long diversion drivers face during Millbrook Roundabout works