Work on the installation of new traffic signals at two bustling intersections on A39 in Somerset got underway in Wells today.

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.

During the Glastonbury Festival in June, special measures will be taken to handle increased traffic and prevent disruptions for residents, businesses, and festival attendees. Some nighttime work will be required towards the end of the project.

Residents will receive letters containing comprehensive information prior to the night work, and advanced signage will be displayed.

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."