MOTORISTS are being warned to prepare for long delays when a programme of resurfacing works begins later this year.

Work which will aim to improve a number of key roads in Monmouth will take place on roads including Priory Street and Hereford Road. The work, which will take place in three steps, will begin in September.

The first phase will involve the renewal of the kerbs and footpath along North Parade. This will require an extension of the four way traffic signals at the junction of Hereford Road and Priory Street and will result in longer waiting times at the junction. This phase of the works will take three to four weeks. Motorists are advised to allow extra time for their journeys, particularly at peak periods.

Phase two will involve resurfacing and reconstructing the carriageway along Priory Street, the top end of Dixton Road and Hereford Road to the junction with Osbaston Road. These works will be carried out at night from 8pm to 6am. During this period, Priory Street and Dixton Road will be closed. Traffic on Hereford Road will be controlled with temporary signals while this work takes place.

As this work will be carried out at night, disruption to traffic is expected to be minimal but local residents will experience noise from construction activities. This phase of the works is expected to take one to two weeks.

Phase three will be to resurface Hereford Road from the junction with Osbaston Road up towards Vine Acre. This will be carried out under temporary traffic controls and will, where possible, be restricted to between 9.15am and 3pm. Traffic delays are to be expected but should be minimised as work will be restricted to off-peak periods. This phase of the works is expected to take one to two weeks.

The works are currently expected to start in September and will take six to eight weeks to complete.

An MCC spokesperson said: “The council is making every effort to minimise delays and inconvenience through careful planning and control of the works. We apologise for the inevitable delays and inconvenience which will arise during the completion of these essential highway improvements but we hope that residents will appreciate the long-term benefits these improvements will bring.”