HEAVY traffic is expected at the busy Shepherd and Flock roundabout over the next month, with Thames Water set to close a lane of the A31 for sewer works.

The roadworks are scheduled to take place opposite the Shepherd and Flock pub from this Sunday, March 6, until Tuesday, March 29, with traffic delays highly likely.

A Thames Water spokesman said: “We’re sorry for any traffic disruption caused by the upcoming valve maintenance work on our sewer. This is a must-do job to help keep the sewer flowing smoothly and prevent customers and the environment suffering from flooding.

“One lane needs to be closed for safe access, but we will be working hard to get everything back to normal as soon as possible.”

The spokesman added that traffic management on the A31 eastbound carriageway will be put in place on Sunday, with the work set to begin on Monday.

Delays are also likely on the A31 at Bentley next week, with South East Water set to connect two new water supplies to a property on the Northbrook Estate.

The chevron area of the A31 eastbound is set to be coned off between Monday, March 7, and Friday, March 11, narrowing the road considerably.

Steve Benton, regional network manager at South East Water, said: “This work will involve a 12-metre long trench being dug along a grass verge on the A31 Farnham Road to connect the new supply to the existing water network.

“To keep the public and our workforce safe while we do this essential work, we have applied to Hampshire County Council for permission to close the chevron area along the eastbound section of the A31.

“The closure will be in place between 9.30am and 4pm from March 7 and we are hoping to have this work completed on Friday, March 11.”