Drivers faced long delays today as work began to replace a worn-out stretch of road.

Thousands of motorists ground to a standstill as essential work began on the busy A27 Sompting bypass.

Rush-hour drivers found themselves stuck in four-mile queues while those who tried to escape the chaos caused heavy congestion on the A259 coast road.

Restrictions will be enforced 24 hours a day, seven days a week between Lyons Way and Busticle Lane.

And the agony is set to continue for months to come - the work is expected to last until March.

The £3.7 million scheme will involve the reconstruction of both carriageways, which will be resurfaced with low-noise material.

Traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction, usually using a contraflow system.

At certain times some junction access will be restricted and diversions will be set up.

Martin McMahon, Highways Agency project manager, said: "The carriageway is almost 50 years old and has reached the end of its useful life.

"By co-ordinating the resurfacing with the other work that needs to be done we hope to minimise the disruption to motorists and local residents.

"The works are contracted on the basis that a penalty will be incurred by the contractor if they over-run.

"However, this is a very busy road and congestion is likely to occur. We would encourage motorists to use other modes of transport where possible, or expect delays."