Patients at Southampton General Hospital are being told to "plan ahead" as utility works are "significantly impacting traffic congestion" around the area.

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust posted on social media this morning to warn those with appointments to give themselves extra travel time.

The warning has been issued after Southern Water works started on Saturday to decommission old pipes and connect new mains to the water network on Winchester Road.

READ MORE: Commuters see delays as road works cause long tailbacks

The road's northbound lane is shut at Hollybrook roundabout until Sunday as part of the first phase of works that are expected to take three weeks to complete overall. 

A diversion route is in place via Burgess Road and Bassett Avenue for this first phase.

The next step will see temporary traffic lights in operation at the junction between Winchester Road and Wilton Road starting from May 19 and lasting for two weeks.

A post on Southampton City Council's website said: "Southern Water would like to thank you for your support and patience whilst essential works are carried out.

"Southern Water are working closely with the Southampton Highways Partnership who will also be able to monitor and operate these lights, to minimise traffic disruption during peak hours."