Drivers on Middle Road in Southampton were last night asked to travel “with caution” today.

A spokesman for power firm Belco said a fault in an underground transmission line discovered late last night meant work would have to be carried out near Heron Bay Primary School.

He added: “As the fault is associated with underground cables, excavators are required to access them so that repairs can be made.

“Traffic controls will remain in place until all repair works are completed, and the cable is returned to service.”

Road users were asked to avoid the affected part of Middle Road and to use alternative routes.

The Belco spokesman said: “We know that works that impact traffic flow are inconvenient, and we thank our valued customers for their patience and understanding.”

A spokesman for the public works ministry added that construction crews will work through the night and the work was expected to be completed by tomorrow night.

He said: “Parents who are planning to drop off and collect their children will still be able to do so but should allow for additional time during peak traffic hours.”