ROADWORKS on one of Southampton's busiest roundabouts will finish today for the festive period.

From tomorrow, motorists will be able to use Millbrook roundabout again, as the second phase of a 28-week reconstruction of the site is completed.

However, following the festivities, phase three of the works will commence on January 7.

So far, the £8.3 million improvement scheme has seen half of the roundabout reconstructed, with a new road surface, and updated traffic signals.

The second phase, which started on November 10, has required a closure of the North Eastern section of the roundabout at its junction with Tebourba Way (southbound) and the slip-road onto Millbrook Road West.

Daily Echo: Heavy traffic on the M271 at the Redbridge roundabout leading to roadworks on Millbrook Road. Thursday 16th January 2014..

The authority has confirmed this phase will be completed on Sunday December 16, with the road fully reopening on Monday.

Transport boss Councillor Jacqui Rayment said: “I would like to thank road users for their patience as we carry out this vital improvement work.

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"The team are working hard to deliver this work to the highest standards and on time. As usual please ensure you allow extra time for your journeys."

Following the Christmas break, phase three of the work will start, running to March. This will require the shutting off of the slip-road from Millbrook Road West onto the roundabout, as well as the exit from the roundabout onto First Avenue – which leads to Dock Gate 20.

Millbrook flyover has, and will continue to, remain fully open throughout the works.

Phase four, from March to late-April, will see the closure of First Avenue (northbound) up to the roundabout and part of the slip-road onto Redbridge Road up to the junction with Second Avenue.

Southampton City Council says the works are important for the future of the junction, as the roundabout is used by more than 30,000 vehicles a day, including 4,000 heavy goods vehicles.

It comes after weeks of commuter chaos across the city.

As reported, city motorists have been hit by the closure, with queues and tailbacks across Southampton, including the M27 and M271.

Council chiefs have vowed to take action if the works continue to cause delays, but added that morning delays were “expected”.

Cllr Rayment previously apologised to residents for the delays.

She said: “Please bear with us as we work to rebuild this important part of the road network. We must invest now to secure a successful and sustainable future for our city.

“Some disruption is unavoidable but we are making every effort to minimise the impact of this work on residents and commuters.

“Closures and diversions will be clearly sign posted.”