MOTORISTS in the south of Hereford face more than two months of disruption with roadworks taking place on the A49 and Holme Lacy Road.

A scheme to upgrade the footpath on the A49 and the pedestrian crossing on Holme Lacy Road as well as an upgrade to the traffic lights at the crossroads will see work taking place from January 7 to March 15.

The works, which are part of Highways England's A49 Ross Road Cycle Scheme, will be carried out from 8pm to 6am, but there will be round-the-clock temporary traffic lights to accommodate the work.

The first phase of the work will see four-way temporary traffic signals on the A49, Holme Lacy Road and Walnut Tree Avenue from January 7 to February 25.

Towards the end of this period, from February 18-20, Walnut Tree Avenue will be closed eastbound and westbound between Hazel Grove and the A49 overnight from 8pm to 6am and then, from February 20-23, Holme Lacy Road will be closed eastbound and westbound between Oak Crescent and the A49 overnight from 8pm to 6am.

Then, from February 25 to March 14, there will be three-way temporary traffic signals on the A49 and Broadleys Crescent.

"We want to make it easier for cyclists, walkers and other non motorised users to navigate our major road network," said Martin Follmer, customer service manager of the Kier Group who are carrying out the improvements for Highways England.

"This work will provide a safer crossing, that will be more suitable for use for both pedestrians and cyclists, with upgraded traffic lights.

"I would like to apologise in advance to residents for any inconvenience or disruption you may experience during this work. We’ll make every effort to carefully manage noise levels and additional lighting to minimise the impact.

"Please plan and allow extra time for your journeys."

Details of diversions which may be required at times during the work can be found at https://highwaysengland.co.uk/regions/west-midlands or www.roadworks.org.