DRIVERS are being warned of "significant delays" for five weeks on a major route in to York.

Ageing and outdated traffic signals at the Malton Road and Elmfield Avenue junction are set to be replaced with works estimated to take around five weeks to complete starting this Monday (October 25).

A City of York Council spokesperson said: "It is anticipated that there will be significant delays when travelling through the junction. In the final two weeks of roadworks, the junction will operate under temporary signals.

"Motorists are expected to experience extensive delays while the works are underway.

"To help minimise disruption and complete the works as quickly as possible, work will typically be carried out between 9am and 4.30pm, seven days a week. In order to safely install the duct crossings over the carriageway, some evening works may be required, however, we'll provide notification of these in advance.

"Temporary crossing points will be available at all times during the works to ensure that all currently available pedestrian crossings are maintained. Traffic marshals will be on site every day to assist pedestrians crossing the road."

The council say that new, more reliable, traffic signals will be installed on the junction and layout changes are being made to make the junction work more efficiently, including resurfacing footways. The outbound Malton Road cycle route will be improved by creating additional space to provide a clearer route through the area. Early start cycle signals will be provided on this approach.

The new traffic signals will be cheaper to run and more reliable. It will also enable the new systems to link direct to the council’s traffic control centre, so that the network monitoring officers can manage the flow of traffic better in busy periods by adjusting traffic lights to best suit traffic conditions.

Those using the junction are urged to plan ahead, allow more time for journeys on these routes and to consider alternatives and to use public transport where possible. Passengers are advised to check with bus operators in advance before travelling. For travel advise visit www.itravelyork.info/ To find out more about the scheme visit https://www.york.gov.uk/MaltonRoad