IMPROVEMENT work is set to begin at the busy Sixways roundabout in Worcester.

New traffic lights are being installed and a new lane added at the Warndon junction from Monday.

Motorists have been warned that the six-week £290,000 scheme will cause delays - it comes just as drivers are suffering problems in the centre of the city because of gas pipe repairs.

But county councillor John Buckley, who campaigned for years along with Warndon Parish Council to have the roundabout improved, said the work would reduce the chances of collisions.

"The set of traffic lights will slow everyone down and let traffic from Kidderminster filter in. That will keep it moving and stop people from darting across and causing bumps," he said.

"With clear markings and the lights it should go a long way to resolve the issues at peak times because still there are a number of accidents there."

Officials from the Highways Agency advised motorists to allow extra time or vary their journeys if they decided they were going to use the Sixways roundabout, which links to junction six of the M5.

"Once completed, the new traffic lights, alongside improvements to slip roads and the roundabout, will help reduce congestion and improve the safety of the roundabout," said project manager Amjid Raza.

"In order to minimise disruption to motorists work is being carried out during off-peak hours."

During the widening work, one lane of the roundabout will be closed outside rush-hour periods throughout July.

An 'intelligent' traffic light system will be laid on the southbound M5 slip road, forcing it to be closed for eight nights between Monday, July 25 and Monday, August 15.

Diversions via junction seven will be signposted.

The lights will include a system designed to spot vehicles twice as far away as normal traffic lights which reduces delays and improves safety.

Improvements will also be made to the white lining and signage and an anti-skid surface will be laid.