ONE-way traffic lights are to be installed on a Worcester bridge for six weeks - but the worst is yet to come.

The lights will be operate on Powick Bridge from Monday, ensuring traffic can only travel in one direction at a time.

But for the 20,000 motorists who use the bridge over the river Teme every day, the worst is yet to come.

In July the bridge will close completely for six weeks, forcing drivers to find alternative routes in to the city.

County Hall said the preparation work, starting next week, will allow it to get ready up for the big refurbishment operation in the summer.

Richard Attwood, senior engineer at the county council, said: "Some preparation work will start on the bridge this Monday, but it will not be closed.

"We are going to erect temporary traffic lights to allow a single lane of cars through. The reason for the work is to allow us to relocate gas and electricity services so we can prepare for the surface upgrade work in the summer.

"Cars will still be able to get by, and we are hoping the temporary traffic lights will not have to be used for the whole of the next six weeks."

The Worcester News first reported in March how the Teme bridge was set to close for six weeks this summer for surface upgrade work.

The work was originally feared to take three months, but the county council has got contractors to work through the night to finish the job quicker and ensured it will take place during the summer holidays.