The Coombe Road bridge that has caused roadworks chaos in Norbiton in it absence is due to be manouevred into place this weekend.

Norbiton businesses have complained the area has been turned into a “ghost town” by the road closures which will allow Network Rail to replace Coombe Road rail bridge.

The area suffered similar disruption for six weeks in summer 2008, when a previous attempt to replace the bridge was abandoned over fears a water pipe could be damaged.

Drivers and bus passengers have suffered long delays since Coombe Road was closed on Monday morning, the first day of four weeks of work, and traffic was diverted to Galsworthy Road, Kingston Road and London Road.

Steve Hill, owner of Woofs a Daisy in Coombe Road, said: “It is like a ghost town down here. Luckily for me the customers will come to us because it is pet supplies, but we are not getting any passing trade and people are ringing saying they are stuck in traffic and can’t come in.

“I feel sorry for the butchers and fish mongers because people will be going to the supermarket. There is a sign saying local businesses are still open but this was knocked down.”

A local newsagent said he was particularly hit by the loss of bus passengers who usually came in to top up their Oyster cards, and it felt like it was a public holiday.

All businesses and shops in Coombe Road remain open, although the two home zones in Manorgate Road and Wolverton Avenue are only accessible via Kingston Hill.

The closures are scheduled to last until Thursday, April 15, with the bridge itself due to be lifted between Good Friday and Easter Monday.