Traffic lights to be upgraded at busy junction

Drivers are being advised of disruption as work to upgrade traffic lights at a busy junction in Hereford gets under way.

The traffic signal system at the Commercial Road and Blueschool Street junction in the city centre would be replaced with modern and more reliable equipment to keep traffic moving, Herefordshire Council said.

The works will be carried out from 12 October to 4 December, with the junction remaining open to traffic for the majority of the time and temporary three-way traffic lights in place.

"The council would ask road users to plan their journeys in advance and allow extra time, particularly at busy periods," a spokesperson added.

As part of the works, the council confirmed closures would be needed at Union Street between 07:00 to 17:00 BST on 20 and 21 October, with all diversions signposted.

The junction improvements included vehicle detection technology to help the signals respond more effectively to traffic, it added.

"The existing traffic signals have reached the end of their design life and are experiencing increasing failures," a decision notice said.

Improvements to pedestrian crossings, as well as repairs and upgrades to associated infrastructure are also due to take place.

Further works were also planned at the Station Approach and Stonebow Road junctions in the future, the authority added.

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