MONTHS of disruption are ahead in Colden Common as major waterworks are due to begin shortly.

Southern Water say the work is essential in order to reduce bursts, which they say has been a problem in the area.

The water mains replacement scheme on Main Road starts on Monday (September 9) and will happen in three phases.

The first, expected to last six weeks, will see temporary traffic lights in place as work begins at the junctions with the B3354 and at the roundabout junction with Church Lane.

Temporary traffic lights will also be used at the junction of Portsmouth Road and Main Road for six weeks, starting on October 6.

The third phase, slated for January 14, will take about 12 weeks and will see the road closed north from the junction with Portsmouth Road at Fishers Pond, to the roundabout junction with Church Lane.

The work will be suspended between October 10 and 14 to minimise disruption to Marwell Zoo’s Go! Rhinos event.

Work will also be suspended in December to minimise disruption in the run-up to Christmas.

Councillor Seán Woodward, executive member for economy, transport and environment, at Hampshire County Council, said: “Southern Water has recognised the significant disruption these works will cause road users. It has engaged with the council to do everything it can to minimise disruption that works of this nature are bound to cause.”

Southern Water’s project manager, Peter Simmons, said: “This water main has burst a number of times in the past, causing problems for customers who have lost their water supply, and also causing traffic disruption. We must replace the main with a more durable pipe which will reduce the risk of bursts and leaks.

“Although the timing of the scheme has been carefully planned, it will inevitably cause some disruption. We’ll do all we can to minimise this and will be updating customers throughout.”