MOTORISTS in South Croydon are set for at least another month of misery.
Residents in Coombe Road were told in January that the bridge over the main London to Brighton railway line would be closed for three months, due to emergency strengthening works.
The works started on January 7 and since then the bridge has been closed off, with road users initially expecting the chaos to ease by the end of March.
But now it has been announced that the works are to be extended to run from June 3.
It has also been revealed this week that Network Rail plans to close Croham Road on July 8 for eight weeks, also for bridge maintenance.
Councillor Tim Pollard, deputy leader of Croydon Council, said the authority will ask Network Rail to delay this latter work until the school holidays in late July.
He said: "Whilst this is bad news for all motorists, it is particularly bad news for the unfortunate residents in the area, who will have to endure regular traffic jams and diverted heavy traffic.
"The cabinet member responsible for transport, Cllr Jason Perry, has asked officers to request of Network Rail that it at least delays the start for a few weeks so that the works can largely take place over the school holidays, when traffic is much lighter.
"We are waiting to find out whether Network Rail agrees to this."