Councillors have warned of a “measurable amount of disruption” as a major route from the New Forest into Southampton will shut for emergency works that could last well into next week.

The warning has been issued as Southern Water will close the eastbound carriageway on the Redbridge flyover from 9pm on Sunday for leak detection works.

The utility company said that the detection is expected to take "at least a day" and will carry on into Monday, but if a leak is found, they say they “expect to be working” in the area for a “number of days”.

Councillor David Harrison said that the issue is a form of “reactive maintenance” which needs to be dealt with quickly.

He explained that the road network is more important than ever with the “absences of trains” going up and down the Waterfront and the suspension of the Hythe Ferry.

READ MORE: Emergency works to shut key route into city from this weekend

The ward member for Totton South and Marchwood said: “The trouble with utility companies is that whenever you get a burst water main, or as often happens at Redbridge, a gas main leaking, I’m afraid they don’t have much choice but to schedule the works very promptly.

“One hopes that they have the necessary resources and that includes materials and labour to complete the works very promptly.”

Councillor Malcolm Wade warned of a measurable amount of disruption during the works.Councillor Malcolm Wade warned of a measurable amount of disruption during the works. (Image: Supplied) Councillor Malcolm Wade expressed concern that the works will cause disruption as they will block a “main artillery road from the Waterfront into Southampton”.

The ward member for Dibden and Hythe said: “They haven’t really specified when they’re going to reopen it.

“This will cause a measurable amount of disruption to commuters and local people going to and from Southampton and beyond. Southern Water could’ve given a lot of notice for this.”

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The Echo understands that Southern Water discovered that there was a leak somewhere in the area around two weeks ago, but it was only on Wednesday that it was pinpointed to potentially be under Redbridge flyover.

A traffic permit had to be sorted on Wednesday, hence the short notice for the works.

Cllr Wade said: “Southern Water need to put enough resources into it to put enough resources, so it’s done quickly and efficiently to minimise disruption on local people.

“I’m hoping they’ll finish it overnight and it’s ready for Monday morning for traffic to be able to use it again.”