RESIDENTS have complained that planned bridge works will take too long and disrupt their day-to-day lives.
Coombe Road, in South Croydon, is set for months of chaos while the bridge has its steel beams replaced.
The works will mean single-lane closures between Park Lane and Park Hill Road until Friday, March 29.
Although residents appreciate the need for the works, they do not understand why it will take so long to complete in already gridlocked South Croydon.
Resident Charlotte Davies said: "We already have chronic traffic problems in that area, especially next to the Swan and Sugar-loaf Tesco. Coombe Road is already so narrow, I think it is going to be absolutely gridlocked. I don't understand why it is going to take three months.
"The rush hour is going to be a nightmare; anyone going to Lloyd Park or the schools in that area, it will really affect them."
Shop owners in the area are also hoping the traffic will not put people off paying them a visit. Jonathan Law, from Feline Guitars, in Coombe Road, is optimistic. He said: "It's going to cause disruption but we are near the bottom of the road so I hope it won't affect the business.
"It definitely could be a bit tricky during rush hour for some people. I don't understand why it is going to take so long but I suppose the bridge must be mended. We haven't had much disruption so far but in a couple of months I may change my mind."