MOTORISTS are to be hit by delays on the A38 as the Highways Agency begins

its next phase to replace a bridge suffering from ­concrete cancer in Plympton.

The second phase of work on the £6m scheme to replace Merafield Road bridge began last Sunday, November 9.

The agency said the work will consist of reinforcing the embankment adjacent to

the bridge and will in all ­likelihood last until early December.

A contraflow has been installed for approximately one mile, with two lanes

on each side of the Devon Expressway open to traffic.

A temporary speed limit of 50mph has been imposed while the lane restrictions are in place for the safety of motorists and road workers.

As part of the work the verge slope to the east has to be stabilised, as movement has been recorded following periods of wet weather ­during recent winters.

The slope will be stabilised by inserting special nine-metre-long nails into the ground to prevent slippage.

Highways Agency service delivery manager Mike Hillier said: 'The essential £6m investment to reconstruct Merafield Bridge will ensure the A38 and the local Merafield Road will be open to all traffic for many years to come.

'This second phase of work will reinforce and ­stabilise the eastbound verge slope, safeguarding the A38 from potential landslips and providing stable ground for the new bridge construction.

'During this phase of work a minimum of two lanes will be open in both directions

on the A38. Access along Merafield Road will be ­unaffected.

'We understand significant schemes such as this can raise concerns from road users and other stakeholders.

'Throughout the planning process the Highways Agency has focused fully on the need to keep disruption to a minimum and complete the work as soon as possible while creating a safe environment for motorists and ­construction workers.'

This phase of the work is scheduled to be completed by Friday, December 5, after which the contraflow and speed restrictions will be removed.

Construction of the new bridge is planned to start in summer 2015 and is expected to last a year.