MAJOR travel disruption is expected in Fulham, as Thames Water begins emergency sewer repairs in Putney High Street.

Motorists and bus passengers are being advised to allow extra time for their journeys for the next four weeks while the work is completed.

Traffic is expected to be slow on roads approaching Putney Bridge, especially Fulham High Street, Fulham Palace Road and New Kings Road.

The problem has been caused by a collapsed six inch diameter sewer pipe that runs along the high street near the junction with Lower Richmond Road.

Thames Water says the repair has been made more complicated because of a tangle of other pipes and cables on top of the broken sewer.

The firm’s Gordon Hailwood said: “We owe it to the affected homes and businesses to get this fixed as quickly as possible.

“We’re sorry for any inconvenience and disruption this may cause, but this is a must-do job and we are committed to making sure our sewer network is repaired and fit for purpose.”

In order to carry out the repair Thames water’s contractors need to close one traffic lane in Putney High Street between Weimar Street and the Lower Richmond Road.

Changes to the road layout to accommodate the works means northbound traffic is able to use two lanes, but traffic heading south is restricted to one lane.

To speed up the traffic flow, the southbound bus lane that runs between the bridge and Putney Bridge Road is suspended and motorists heading south are able to use it.

Bus stops outside the cinema are suspended with passengers being advised to use alternative ones further along the High Street or in Putney Bridge Road.