Drivers face eight weeks of road chaos as one of Sussex's busiest routes is dug up.

The A27 will be reduced to one lane of traffic at times during works to refurbish the Adur Viaduct, near Shoreham.

For the whole two months, starting next Monday (MAY 11), drivers will be restricted by a with a 40mile an hour speed limit.

The main carriageway will continue running as the Highways Agency resurfaces the bridge, slip roads and strengthens bridge joints but traffic will be funnelled into one lane overnight.

Business leaders fear the work could make the already congested road even worse.

Martin Wright, Highways Agency Sussex route performance manager said: "These works will help improve the longevity of the Adur Viaduct.

“We have mitigated delays to road users by planning to carry out as much work as possible overnight. However, when the slip road closures are in place we would ask drivers to allow a little more time for their journeys."

Most of the work will take place between 8pm and 6am, but road users will be unable to get on or off the dual carriageway at Shoreham overnight.

The slip roads on and off the road will be completely shut during four weekends.

Drivers will have to follow diversions along the opposite side of the carriageway in order to turn into Sussex Pad or Coombe Road.

During the day, hanging scaffolding will be on the underside of the bridge so work can be carried out underneath the structure.

Mark Froud, chief executive of chamber of commerce Sussex Enterprise, said: “The A27 is a vital transport link for local people and businesses so any disruption will obviously have an effect on the local economy.

“Sussex businesses have been telling us for years that holdups and congestion on the A27 have a big impact on their ability to operate efficiently.

“It’s vital that the Highways Agency consults with local businesses and residents about roadworks in order to minimise problems.

“Clearly lane closures around Shoreham for eight weeks as the summer approaches will cause congestion and we hope that the Highways Agency reacts quickly to alleviate any major problems as they arise.”

He added: “In the long-term significant investment along the whole of the A27 is needed otherwise businesses will have no choice but to move away taking jobs and economic prosperity with them.”