WORK to improve safety at a controversial junction on the A35 will begin in April.

Ten weeks of improvements will take place at the Hunters Lodge junction on the A35 near Lyme Regis. The works, which are expected to cost around £560,000, will not only improve safety for motorists, but will improve crossing facilities for pedestrians.

The work will include widening the junction, installing a signalised pedestrian crossing, as well as extending an enforceable 40mph speed limit.

Speed activated cameras will be installed in both directions, while a new high-friction road surface, signage and road marking improvements will also be put in place.

Highways England operations and maintenance team leader, Nick Reed, said: “We have been liaising with our local authority partners and listening to communities to make sure we have the right junction layout in place for this scheme.

“We have looked at all of the available safety measures for this junction and we are now in a position to start the safety improvement scheme.

“Traffic management will be in place during the work, we will be working to keep disruption to a minimum and further details will be available in due course.”

The safety improvement scheme is expected to to be completed in mid-June, in time for the summer holidays.

Daytime lane closures and full overnight closures will be in place during the roadworks, and Highways England is advising motorists to plan their journeys and allow extra time while the work takes place.

Drivers can get up-to-the-minute travel information by phoning the Highways England Information Line on 0300 123 5000 or by visiting highways.gov.uk/traffic.

For further information regarding current and planned roadworks in the South West region plus neighbouring regions, including the programme, visit highways.gov.uk/roads