A section of Newport’s busy South Street is to be upgraded by Island Roads later this month.

The work – scheduled to begin on September 16 and last eight days – will see improvements made to South Street between its junctions with Prospect Road and Church Litten.

The improvement work will involve excavating the highway to address underlying issues that have caused the surface to deteriorate. Because of the depth of these excavations, it will be necessary to close the road at all times through the project.

While closed as a through route for traffic, pedestrian access will remain as long as it is safe. Prospect Road will also remain fully accessible. Island Roads has also held discussions with Hampshire and IW Fire and Rescue Service and businesses including Morrisons to ensure their access needs can be met throughout work.

During part of the project, it will be necessary for taxis that currently use the rank outside Morrisons to use the spaces further up South Street adjacent to the bus station.

An Island Roads spokesperson said: “We recognise that these improvement works may cause some inconvenience for residents and businesses, but we hope any disruption will be offset by the long-term improvements we are making.

“We would like to thank the community in advance for co-operation and understanding during the work.”

The diversion route for westbound traffic will be via Coppins Bridge, St George’s Way, St George’s Approach, Medina Avenue and Church Litten.

Eastbound traffic can travel via the open section of South Street, St James Street and then either High Street or Hunnyhill.