Redbridge flyover eastbound works cause traffic chaos

A spokesperson for Southern Water said: "We’re sorry for the continued disruption that our work to find and fix a leak at the Redbridge flyover is causing.

"Our team be on site working through the night to pinpoint the exact origin of the leak.

"The eastbound closure of the Redbridge flyover will stay in place throughout the week for us to carry out this work safely.

"Drivers travelling into Southampton can use a diversion from the A35 to the Redbridge roundabout leading to the A33 Redbridge Road.

"We will continue to provide daily updates about this work and our progress. Our next one will be issued on Wednesday morning, May 21."

Drivers in the Ashurst area are also facing delays. 

This map shows the traffic on the M271. 

(Image: NQ)

Drivers attempting to get home are facing major delays. 

Tailbacks are being faced by drivers on the A326, Rumbridge Street, High Street and on the M271. 

Buses are running with 45-minute delays.

Totton South ward Councillor, David Harrison said: "A couple of photographs I just took from the footbridge over the A35 looking back towards Rushington roundabout and towards Southampton.

Traffic on the A35 (Image: Submitted)

Traffic on the A35 (Image: Submitted)

Marcus Ernest added: "Absolute hell and zero notice or signage and the water company were supposed to do Sunday night but didn't.

"They caused same chaos two weeks ago there closing off one lane at Redbridge and had one man and one van there for three days. Joke. Don't do business in Southampton."

Ashleigh Mutimear, owner of Hythe Pier, said: "This is exactly why we need our ferry back.

"Our community deserves better than hours stuck in traffic, we need real alternatives that are greener, faster, and actually work for us."

Posting this morning, Tim Naylor said: "Well over two hours into a 45 minute journey. I am expecting it will take another hour to clear the remaining 1/4 mile of congestion."

The section of the flyover is set to be closed for a "number of days"

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 the Redbridge flyover.

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

READ MORE: Councillors warn of 'disruption' as Redbridge Flyover to shut

Here is the traffic as shown on the AA traffic map.

Traffic around Redbridge (Image: AA Traffic Map)

There are also queues on the M271 approaching Redbridge.

The AA traffic map says that congestion goes to the Rushington Roundabout on the Totton Bypass.

Detour in operation - via the roundabout, off and back on again.

(Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

The eastbound carriageway of Redbridge Flyover was supposed to be closed Sunday night at 9pm for Southern Water leak detection works.

But these repairs were "aborted" after initially being set up due to an "unforeseen operational issue".

The carriageway closed last night at 10pm, and works are expected to "last a number of days".

The Redbridge flyover eastbound is currently closed due to emergency roadworks being carried out by Southern Water sub-contractors.