FIVE months of roadworks are set to cause 'short delays' for drivers on the main route through Greenock as the latest phase of a flood alleviation project gets under way.

The next stage of Scottish Water's £2.5 million scheme to tackle flooding on the A8 trunk road is scheduled to start on Monday June 26.

A new screened combined sewer overflow (CSO) has been constructed beneath Inverclyde Council’s roads depot in Pottery Street and work to upgrade the sewer network running beneath East Hamilton Street will begin before connecting the new CSO.

Greenock Telegraph: A new combined sewer overflow has been builtA new combined sewer overflow has been built (Image: Scottish Water)

For approximately five months, a series of contraflows will be in operation to keep traffic moving, with the utility firm telling road users to expect 'some short delays during peak times'.

Georgina Reid, Scottish Water’s regional affairs manager in the west, told the Tele: “We carried out some preparatory works over several weeks last month and the traffic management arrangements worked well.

“They were effectively a dress rehearsal for the next five months and we are confident we can keep traffic moving.

“We have been planning for this phase for many months, working with partners, stakeholders and local agencies to ensure as little disruption as possible while we carry out this vital project.

“The important thing to remember is to plan ahead and allow a little extra time for journeys.”

Construction of the new CSO began at the start of January and the project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.