Plans to add traffic lights at a busy junction before Cressex Island in High Wycombe is redeveloped have moved a step forward.

It has long been known that the wasteland next door to Next - which used to be a park and ride - is tipped to become a new budget supermarket and fast food drive thru, but there has not been any firm updates for a while.

There was upset from residents when Costco U-turned on plans to open up there.

ALSO READ: 'Huge interest' from businesses for High Wycombe's Cressex Island after Costco's shock U-turn

But the plans appear to be moving forward - as Buckinghamshire Council puts plans for new traffic lights to replace the Crest Road roundabout on show.

Bucks Free Press:

The plans confirm that they are planning for another Aldi supermarket - the third in the town - and a McDonald's drive thru for Cressex Island, apparently creating more than 100 jobs.

The rest of the site will be for new "commerce units" for businesses wanting to expand or relocate to the area.

ALSO READ: Cressex Island: New Aldi and McDonald's drive-thru plans 'progressing behind the scenes'

However, if this is to go ahead, major improvements will be needed on nearby roads to cope with the demand.

So Buckinghamshire Council wants to upgrade the Crest Road/John Hall Way junction - replacing the roundabout with an "intelligent" traffic signal controlled junction.

Bucks Free Press:

There would also be 600 metres of new walking and cycle route along the south side of John Hall Way, joining up with the cycleway on Cressex Link Road and extending to the Handy Cross roundabout.

The council says this will reduce traffic jams, encourage cycling and walking while making it safer to do so and control traffic flow towards the notoriously busy Handy Cross roundabout.

ALSO READ: Mixed reaction to Cressex Island plans

If the work goes ahead, there will be new toucan crossings at the Crest Road junction, an extra right-turn lane from Crest Road into John Hall Way, a new westbound through lane on John Hall Way and new surfacing and signage.

Bucks Free Press:

Some trees will need to be removed along the Holiday Inn boundary to improve visibility.

All of these plans are on display in a virtual exhibition - a first for the council.

The council says after the public consultation, the Cabinet member in charge will make a decision and the design will be finalised in September.

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Work is expected to start in the autumn, finishing in spring next year.

Detailed designs and costings will be completed once consultation feedback has been considered.

Bucks Free Press:

Nick Naylor, cabinet member for transport, said: "Of course, we want to create more capacity for traffic and reduce congestion, but it's also important to make it easier for residents, many of whom have been cycling for exercise during the lockdown, to use their bikes around the area."

Nick said it was important that as many as possible saw the preliminary designs and provided the council with feedback.

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He added: "We want to get this project right from the start, so we need to make sure we've got maximum feedback from residents and businesses."

The consultation runs until Friday, August 14, and a printed feedback form is available by calling 01296 387984.

View the virtual exhibition here - crestroad.virtualconsultation.co.uk