ROADWORKS will be halted on nearby routes as county bosses warn of the “significant disruption” ahead of a £19m bridge replacement project that will close the M27 this weekend.

As Highways England reveals details of the scheme, Hampshire County Council have said they will be removing all the roadworks on nearby routes and diversions to help the roads cope with the added traffic that won’t be able to use the M27 between September 28 and October 1.

As reported, the diversion for larger vehicles is 58 miles, with the A3057 Romsey Road bridge being taken apart and replaced between now and October 2019.

Cllr Rob Humby, the executive member for environment and transport said: “Now we have the detail of the work Highways England are going to carry out and their planned diversion routes, Hampshire County Council is putting plans in place to make sure staff and our partners can continue to deliver essential services to residents.

“We are expecting significant disruption while this closure on the M27 is in place, with normal motorway traffic having to use local roads.”

County councillor for Romsey, Mark Cooper, said the added traffic flowing through Romsey could harm businesses, with deputy leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Nick Adams-King saying that drivers with local knowledge were likely to follow their own routes.

Cllr Rob Humby added: “For our part, we will be pulling off all our roadworks on the diversion routes, but I would urge people making plans for that weekend to leave more time for their journeys, to check the local traffic and travel information before they set off, and for residents and businesses in the area to be aware of the likely disruption and extra traffic on local roads.”

The M27 junctions three to four will shut from 10pm on September 28 until 5am on October 1.

Nick Adams-King, deputy leader for Test Valley Borough Council, said: “I believe it’s very unlikely that drivers will follow the official diversion route via Salisbury, Amesbury and the A303.

“Local knowledge and SatNav diversions are likely to send travellers through Romsey and Southern Test Valley.

“Therefore, traffic congestion is likely, especially on Saturday and Sunday, could be considerable.

“Please plan ahead, allow extra time for your journeys and avoid busy period if at all possible.”

The second weekend closure will be between 10pm April 26 2019 until 5am Monday 29, and finally on 10pm October 18 2019 until 5am Monday 21.

Highways England say the new bridge will have a lifespan of 120 years.