DRIVERS should expect delays in Sway during March, April and May while safety improvement work is carried out on the 123-year-old village centre railway bridge.

Hampshire County Council says the work, which involves building safety walls on the approaches in Station Road, is being done to prevent out of control vehicles crashing down the embankments onto the Bournemouth to Waterloo main line.

Mildren Construction, which will be carrying out the 10-week project for the council from February 28, will ensure access is available at all times.

Temporary traffic signals will be used when lanes are closed, and bus stops will be relocated to the Heron Close corner.

County councillor Mel Kendal, executive member for environment, said: “A risk assessment identified the need for safety to be improved here and we spent time evaluating the options and developing the plans with the aim of being able to carry out this important work at the earliest opportunity.

“We have worked closely with Network Rail to be able to do this and have notified those residents directly affected by the work.

“Unfortunately, there will be some disruption but we are aiming to minimise the impact by only closing one lane of Station Road.

“This is necessary to ensure the safety of the construction staff, pedestrians and road users while work is in progress.

“As far as is possible, we are aiming to keep the road fully open in the evenings and at weekends as well as during peak travelling times. I hope those affected can understand the need for this essential work and bear with us while it is being carried out.”