MOTORISTS are warned of “significant restrictions” as the next phase of roadworks mounting traffic lights on city centre roundabouts gets underway, today.

But to bring about completion of the latest stage of work installing the £2.5m SCOOT system on a reconfigured Leazes Bowl roundabout, on the A690 in Durham, increased disruption is expected over coming weeks.

The main delays will be faced by traffic coming onto and off the roundabout, to and from New Elvet Bridge, with regular road users asked to take alternative routes.

Durham County Council expects this phase of work to take six weeks, four weeks less than originally anticipated, as some elements were able to be carried out during earlier phases of the scheme.

The restrictions mean eastbound travellers will be unable to turn right onto New Elvet Bridge, and, instead, will be diverted up and round Gilesgate roundabout.

Traffic approaching Leazes Bowl roundabout from New Elvet Bridge will be unable to turn right, onto Leazes Road, and will be diverted via Claypath.

While this stage of work continues, bus services will amend routes and passengers are advised to check for details with operators.

In a bid to assist people travelling from the south of the city to Old Elvet, the restriction on them turning right before reaching New Elvet Bridge will be lifted throughout this stage of the scheme.

Following completion of the works, the roads will be resurfaced in the area to bring an end to the disruption.

Adrian White, the county council’s head of transport and contract services, said: “We’re extremely grateful for everyone for their continued patience while we carry out these vital improvements, which promise easier journeys in the future.

“We’ve now reached the most disruptive part of the works, but, by constantly revising and adapting our approach to help the public, we’ve been able to reduce this stage by a month.”

Work on the new traffic light network began earlier in the year and was completed on Gilesgate roundabout, on the A690, other than for some short-term resurfacing work, earlier in the year.

Those lights are now working, but have been optimised to help people travelling through the the ongoing Leazes Bowl roundabout.

Full details of the restrictions over coming weeks are available via www.durham.gov.uk/LeazesBowl, which includes links to information about bus services, and traffic cameras the travelling public can check before setting off on their journey.