WORK will start next month on upgrading the first of seven roundabouts on York Outer Ring Road as part of a £38 million scheme to cut congestion and journey times.

City of York Council said Wetherby Road roundabout was to be widened to create a three-lane approach and two-lane exit, and cyclists would also benefit from a council-funded off-road cycle route between Rufforth and Acomb.

A spokesman said the work would start on Monday June 4 and take place every weekday from 7.30am to 4pm, with a potential for evening, weekend and some overnight work at points before the improvements were completed next spring.

“Motorists can expect minor delays at as the roundabout’s approaches and exits have a reduced, 30 mile per hour limit throughout the works,” he said, adding that it would take up to four years to complete all seven roundabouts.

Cllr Peter Dew, transport Executive member, said the authority was starting the first roundabout while developing plans for the other, more complicated schemes.

“We’ve designed the works so that lane closures won’t be required for most of the scheme, so there should only be minor disruption,” he added.

The Wetherby Road roundabout scheme will also help pave the way for a possible dualling of the ring road at a later stage, which The Press is calling for through its Dual Them! campaign.

*The council is seeking comments by a deadline of June 1 on plans to upgrade a second roundabout at Monks Cross, which can be viewed online at york.gov.uk/yorr