MOTORISTS are being warned of long delays next week with the seafront road closed for essential i360 works.

Part of the A259 will be shut near the attraction on both Monday and Tuesday.

With most schools breaking up for the summer holidays tomorrow, next week is expected to be one of the busiest of the year.

The work being carried out is to allow essential internet cabling to be installed for the i360.

On Monday both outside lanes of the A259 will be closed opposite the viewing tower while on Tuesday both inside lanes will be closed.

On Wednesday there will be works to the pavements on both sides of the road – although it is hoped some of this work can be done earlier.

The site should be cleared on Thursday.

The bus stop on the beach side of the road just, east of the i360, will be suspended during the works.

Brighton and Hove City Council is warning that drivers should expect delays and seek an alternative route where possible.

Eleanor Harris, chief executive of the i360, said: "This is crucial work to connect fibre optics for fast broadband to the beach side of the seafront road for the first time and whilst we would not have chosen this timing, British Airways i360 opens on August 4 and it is essential this is done now.

"We would like to apologise for the inconvenience and thank the council for facilitating this quickly. British Airways i360 will be offering the first free super fast wifi on the beach side of the seafront to visitors at the attraction.”

i360 bosses announced earlier this week that the attraction would open on August 4 with tickets on sale now.

Prices are £13.50 for adults and from £6.75 for children. Those under the age of four can ride for free.

The viewing pod is ten times the size of the London Eye capsule and can carry 200 passengers.

Journeys last 20 minutes in the day and half an hour after 6pm when the pod transforms into a Nyetimber sky bar serving Sussex sparkling wine.