WORK to improve access to Southampton and reduce journey times is set to start this morning - and delays are expected to last eight weeks.

Here is all you need to know about the scheme.

Where is the work taking place?

The improvements will be to the junction of the A334 Thornhill Park Road and Hinkler Road.

Thornhill Park Road will be narrowed to one lane and temporary traffic lights will be in use to direct traffic - so delays are expected.

Hinkler Road will be closed at this junction.

In addition, Browning Avenue will be closed at the junction with Hinkler Road to avoid diverted traffic using this route.

The works will be to improve traffic flows and journey times with 'smart traffic signal technology', which council bosses say will reduce the peak time congestion that impacts the M27 at Junction 7, as well as the A27.

New crossing facilities for people walking and cycling across the junction are also being installed, improving access to nearby Kane’s Hill Primary School and Woodlands College.

When will the closures be from (and what is being done)?

Well, for the next seven weeks until December 7, the junction will be completely closed to traffic and the temporary traffic lights will be in place.

This will be so new traffic signals can be installed, and the old ones removed. New Toucan crossings will also be installed and Kootenay Avenue footpath will be widened.

But, for the final week of works from December 14, it will only be closed between 10pm - 5am for resurfacing to take place.

Southampton City Council says this the closures are being put in place so “work can be carried out as efficiently as possible”.

How much is the scheme costing?

It will cost £360,000 in total, however this cash is coming from Highways England.

What's been said?

Councillor Steve Leggett, city council cabinet member for Green City and Place, says: “Our long-term transport strategy, Connected Southampton 2040, sets out our bold plans to improve journey times and reduce congestion for those entering the city from the east.

"We’ve already made an excellent start on this, having delivered a comprehensive package of transformative measures on the A3024 Bursledon Road.

"The upcoming works on the A334 will contribute even further to this, delivering better and more innovative traffic signal technology to improve traffic flows and support more reliable bus travel on this important route with connections to Hedge End and Botley.”