Roadworks which have been plaguing the city with gridlocks and congestion are set to be lifted this afternoon.

A gas leak on Bitterne Road West at the junction with Athelstan Road caused two lanes to be closed westbound on May 7, with a signed diversion route in place ever since.

Southampton was left in gridlock on the first couple of rush hours after the works began, with local businesses fearing that it would drive people away from the area.

READ MORE: Café owner worried with no end in sight to Bitterne Road West chaos

Athelstan Road was also closed, meaning that no traffic was able to enter or exit out of the road at the junction.

SGN told the Echo on Thursday that it was "too early" to say how long the repair, but the utility company has confirmed today that the traffic restrictions will be lifted this afternoon.

The surface of the road had to be replaced after repairs to gas pipes were complete, and SGN says that the lanes will reopen as soon as this surface has settled.