A section of road in Southampton will be reduced to one lane of traffic starting today, the Ministry of Public Works said.

A statement from the ministry said that the lane closure will affect South Road near the Henry VIII restaurant so that a stretch of road between the Reefs and Dolphin Ridge can be paved.

This work will be done between 8am and 3pm, and is scheduled to finish on March 8, weather permitting, but may be extended into next week.

Traffic in the area will be managed with stop-and-go signs, and no vehicles will be permitted along the closed lane.

The ministry encouraged motorists to use alternative routes via Lighthouse Road and Middle Road during this time and apologised for any inconvenience the closure may cause.

Call principal highways engineer Tina Beer-Searle on 501-3044 with any questions about the closure.