THE first phase of works to refurbish Newmarket Street and Widemarsh Street is due to begin tonight.

Initial work will involve the removal of the central reservation along Newmarket Street and will take approximately one week.

The work will take place at night, and traffic will be permitted in both directions throughout, keeping traffic disruption to a minimum.

Following the removal of the central reservation, work will take place to lay footpaths along Newmarket Street for three weeks.

These works will be carried out during the day but with the central reservation removed and two lanes will be maintained in either direction.

In February, work will begin to construct the right turn from Blueschool Street into Widemarsh Street.

Due to the excavation and width of available carriageway, one lane in either direction will be maintained.

This will be for a short length and two lanes feeding Edgar Street roundabout during the day will be maintained at all times.