MAJOR construction work is to begin on a new roundabout designed to reduce accidents and relieve congestion on one of York's busiest junctions.

The junction at Malton Road, Heworth Green, Stockton Lane and Heworth Road has been the scene of 17 road accidents in the last five years.

City of York Council said the roundabout will be safer for cyclists and pedestrians, but added the four month construction period was likely to cause traffic disruption in the area.

The project will start on Tuesday with road repairs to Stockton Lane, which will be closed for seven days, with an alternative route available along Hempland Lane and Heworth Village.

The roundabout construction will begin the following week with temporary traffic lights controlling vehicles to allow through traffic and public transport movements to continue.

But turning left lorries and coaches from Malton Road to Heworth Road will be banned and Dales Lane will be closed to stop traffic cutting through the local housing estate.

A 20mph speed limit will be installed on the approaches to the works and the 30mph speed limit on Malton Road will be extended back up to Muncastergate temporarily.

City of York Council received 94 percent support for the proposals and has recruited Tarmac to carry out the construction project.

Coun Dave Merrett, chairman of the City of York Council planning and transport committee, said: "There have been difficulties for road users in making certain turns and pedestrians in safely crossing the arms of this junction so I'm extremely pleased that work on the new roundabout will be commencing."

Martin Smith, manager of Heworth Court Hotel, on Heworth Green, said: "I think it's a really good idea because cars tear down Malton Road far too quickly and it will be a lot safer for cyclists. I think it will take a while for people to get used to it."

A barman at the Nag's Head, on Heworth Road, said: "I think it would help to have a roundabout because it's horrendous for traffic coming down Heworth Road on to Malton Road."

Ray Chaplin, head of the council's engineering consultancy, said the roundabout should slow traffic down leading to a reduction in road accidents.

He added: "The council appreciates that the construction of the roundabout will cause some disruption in the area, but the temporary traffic measures have been designed to keep this to a minimum."

The council and the Highways Agency have also submitted a planning application for a £1.5 million new roundabout on York's A1237 outer ring road.

Rawcliffe residents near the present roundabout on the A19/A1237 junction will receive a leaflet explaining the proposals and inviting comments.

Several council presentations will also be staged next month.

The scheme is designed to relieve congestion.