Travel between Fleurieu south coast towns looks set to be tricky over the next six months, with a scheduled closure of Waterport Road.

SA Water plans to install a new 1.7km water main along Waterport Road, between Lincoln Road and Hill Street.

Work is scheduled to start mid-March and continue until September, depending on weather conditions.

SA Water has written to local residents and businesses to advise that this section of Waterport Road will be closed to general traffic Monday to Friday from 7am to 5pm.

There will be no works on weekends, public holidays or during school holidays.

When the road is closed a detour will direct traffic along Ocean Road in Chiton, Port Elliot Road and Tottenham Court Road.

Finniss MP David Basham is critical of the late and limited notice of what he says will be a major disruption for people travelling between Goolwa and Victor Harbor.

“The news has appeared suddenly, and I question the need for Waterport Road to be so fully restricted for six months.

“I am shocked that this work is due to commence in 2-3 weeks’ time and that this is the first the community has heard of it.

“Disappointingly the letter was sent to residents but not necessarily road users.”

Mr Basham says a very rough calculation indicates that 8400 vehicles use Port Elliot Road per day and an approximate 5500 additional vehicles per day may use Port Elliot Rd with this detour in place.