WORK to help alleviate congestion on the busy Handy Cross roundabout will begin next week with the installation of a new traffic signal system.

The Highways Agency’s project to install the Split Cycle Offset Optimisation Technique (SCOOT) computer system begins on Monday.

The £160,000 upgrade is estimated to take two weeks before a period of monitoring and possible adjustments. This could take a further two-to-four weeks before the system is running up to full speed.

The majority of the work will take place between 10pm and 5.30am to avoid disruptions. Diversions will not be required, the agency added.

The SCOOT computer system automatically adjusts the traffic light signalling times by using sensors to read the flow of traffic.

The signal upgrade is part of a national pinch point programme.

Visit www.highways.gov.uk/roads for more information.