DRIVERS are bracing themselves for traffic gridlock at Purley Cross with two extensive roadwork schemes about to get under way.

Parts of the A23 will be closed from Monday until November as footpaths are resurfaced.

And from August 9 until the end of the month, resurfacing work across the gyratory will start, so from 8.30pm drivers can either battle across Purley Cross, even though at least one section will be closed, or take recommended diversions.

Transport for London, which is managing the work, said it was impossible to predict what diversions would be in place on exact dates for the evening work.

But for the footpath resurfacing he said sections of one lane along the A23 – Brighton Road and Banstead Road – would be sealed off while workmen carry out repairs.

Residents and commuters reacted with disbelief, predicting long delays and possible rat runs through quiet backstreets in Purley and Coulsdon.

Coulsdon bus driver Henry Martin said: "These roadworks are a recipe for disaster. It's going to be an absolute misery.

"If you have one slight mistake around Tesco or the Purley Way the whole thing comes to an absolute standstill, it's jammed."

Mr Martin said more cars would use Woodcote Valley Road and Foxley Lane for rat runs and he predicted an increase in accidents.

Tarsem Flora, chairman of Purley and Woodcote Residents' Association, said: "It is obvious this will cause incredibly bad traffic flow.

"Once when there was an accident and they sealed off a lane on Purley Cross, I was stuck for two hours."

Coulsdon traffic expert Peter Morgan predicted rush-hour gridlock.

He said: "There will be severe consequences for this. I think this work is a scandalous waste of money, and although there is a case for doing it, previous work was incredibly disruptive."

Purley chartered surveyor Clyde Malby added: "It's a nightmare because of these two main roads, the A22 and A23, meeting.

"What a nightmare for drivers."

What do you think of the roadworks? E-mail newsdesk@croydonadvertiser.co.uk or write to the Advertiser, 3rd Floor, Jessop House, 100 Tamworth Road, Croydon, CR0 1XX