Work on the installation of new traffic signals at two bustling intersections on A39 in Somerset got underway in Wells this week and motorists are being warned is going to be tough.

Somerset Council's highway team will be responsible for conducting the work at both the Wookey Hole Road and Whiting Way junctions. in Wells, is the next phase of a £16.6 million signal replacement initiative in the county.

The council's contractor will collaborate with the maintenance contractor to ensure that a significant amount of resurfacing is performed in the vicinity of the junctions to prevent future disruptions

Throughout the work - which is expected to finish in the autumn - temporary traffic signals will be in place, and the contractor will employ cutting-edge Urban 64 technology to manage traffic flow and minimise delays for motorists. That promises "dynamic strategy for adapting green times for unpredictable and heavy traffic flows."

That of course will come during the Glastonbury Festival in June and contractors will need to carry out some night time work towards the end of the project.

Cllr Mike Rigby, Somerset Council's executive lead member for transport and digital, said: "We're really grateful for the continued patience of residents, business owners and road users while we deliver these essential works.

"It's vital we replace these signals as they are at the end of their working life – doing nothing just isn't an option as we risk worse disruption if the lights fail.

"We know this has an impact locally and we're working really hard to minimise this. We'll be liaising with the community throughout as we deliver this vital investment in our roads infrastructure."